Crime maps plans should be brought forward

10.30.00am GMT Mon 7th Dec 2009

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle East Greg Stone has welcomed speculation that online "crime maps" may soon be introduced by the Government as part of a plan for greater interactivity in public services and use of Government data. It is being reported that the move is being considered as part of

The maps are already used in London and in the US, and allow residents to view crime levels in neighbourhoods and allow better targeting of resources at crime hotspots. Greg has been calling for the introduction of similar technology for some time and is a supporter of initiatives to allow greater access to publicly-held data.

Greg Stone said "I have seen the public access San Francisco crime map system which provides a regularly updated picture of locations and types of crime, allowing the public to identify high and low crime areas, and allowing the police and other public bodies to respond accordingly. I believe that this would be a useful weapon in the fight against crime, and also in the fight against fear of crime, by allowing people to see a true picture based on fact and not on speculation or rumour"