Online crime maps go live

All recorded crimes will be displayed on maps published online

All 43 local police forces in England and Wales have now rolled out online crime maps, allowing the public to see details of crime trends in their area, the Home Office announced this week.

The maps drill down to ward level and include information about burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said that the initiative could improve responsive policing.

"By empowering people with this information they are able to engage more with their neighbourhood policing teams," he said. "I am sure this will lead to an even more responsive and effective police, thoroughly in tune with people's needs."

Welsh forces and those in the East Midlands region of England - Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire - have chosen to map collaboratively.

This means that members of the public who live close to the edge of a police force area can look at crime levels in adjoining areas easily.

In September, home secretary Jacqui Smith wrote to all local police forces asking them to put crime information online by the end of December, after the success of a scheme in London.