People in England and Wales are now able to access internet maps that plot recorded crimes in their areas.

The government last year pledged that the crime maps would be made available on all 43 police force websites by the end of 2008.

With the exception of the Wiltshire Police website, which is experiencing some technical problems, the crime maps are now accessible on all police sites.

The maps reveal where and when crimes happened and are updated on a monthly basis.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said that the maps give "comprehensive knowledge about crime patterns and hotspots to communities".

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

However, the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents rank-and-file officers, said that the maps may play into the hands of criminals.

Vice chairman Simon Reed said: "Whilst not wishing to restrict what the public can and cannot know, our concern is that statistics released on a monthly basis may feed local criminal intelligence, leading to crime hotspots, and further exacerbate the public's fear of crime."

www.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.direct.gov.uk
www.polfed.org

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