Police launch new national crime map

But site is sluggish on first day because of heavy demand

The map will highlight local policing priorities

An interactive map that gives the public access to crime statistics and details on policing in their area was launched yesterday.

In January this year, police forces launched local maps that provide crime statistics online, but this more complex map allows people to compare crime in different areas and different time frames, as well as letting them evaluate local policing priorities.

But the launch was hampered as heavy demand made access sluggish.

A statement on the web site said: "Due to very high popularity, users may experience temporary issues accessing the site. The issues are being worked on and will be resolved as soon as possible."

The site was developed by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) and police forces across England and Wales, on behalf of the Home Office.

Policing and crime minister David Hanson MP said: "Crime maps are a key part of delivering neighbourhood policing and giving communities access to information such as this not only improves public confidence, but ensures police are responding to local people's needs."

Residents will also be able to see details of their neighbourhood police team and information about events such as crime prevention meetings and local surgeries.

Steve Mortimore, NPIA deputy chief executive, said: "Fear of crime is known to outstrip the reality. The crime map will give people the facts about local crime and what forces are doing about it. It is a crucial way of improving the efforts to tackle local crime, since communities that are involved in policing help reduce crime and bring more offenders to justice."

Crime mapping is a key part of the National Policing Pledge, which sets out for the public the service that they can expect to receive from the police.

The move is also part of a government plan to make more state-held information available online, as recommended by the Power of Information Review.

Earlier this year the Home Office began putting data online.