Crime map shows street hotspots

The Lord Street area in Oldham town centre has been shown to be the crime hotspot across the borough according to a new interactive map.

Residents will now be able to identify what streets are the crime troublespots by logging on to the internet and accessing a street-by-street guide to crimes in their area.

The site — which has been updated to include a street breakdown — compared with council ward data, shows there were four burglaries, nine incidents of anti-social behaviour, one robbery, 22 violent crimes, one vehicle crime and 71 other crimes committed on or around Lord Street in December.

And Davies Street, off Chadderton Way, has been highlighted as being one of the worst for burglaries, with nine reported in December.

Home Secretary Theresa May believes the guide will help local people hold their police to account.

It is the first time such detailed crime maps have been available for an entire country anywhere in the world.

Ms May said: “I think the public reaction will be positive. People are going to welcome the fact they can really see what’s happening with crime in their area, not just on their street but in their neighbourhood.

“I think they will feel a greater connection with the police, with much more information they can work with.

“Over time, it will have an impact on crime. This is about fighting crime together.”

Crime trends will also be established as the site develops and this could be extended to include details on the outcomes of court cases in the future.

Information on local police appeals and the date of the next police community meeting will also be published alongside the crime maps.

The Government has denied suggestions house prices could be affected by the data.

The Home Secretary added: “It’s not the existence of a map on a website that affects it.

“This is giving people a real tool, real power to see that something is being done about crime in their area.

“It will give them the real facts and figures.

“This will make the police more accountable.”

The site cost £300,000 to develop. For more information visit www.police.uk .




Service to improve cooperation



Greater Manchester Police has welcomed the new National Crimemapping service.



The force says it has seen some of the biggest reductions in crime in the whole of England and Wales and has the lowest level of crime in the area for 10 years with almost 30,000 fewer victims.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “This service allows the community to get a real insight into what types of crimes are happening on their doorsteps.

“I welcome such transparency as it also gives us an opportunity to show what strides we are making in tackling the crimes that most affect residents. High profile operations and a focus on neighbourhood policing are making a real difference to the area and we are determined to make it even safer with your help.

“I hope this new service will encourage even greater cooperation between the police and the public.”