Are you concerned about the level of crime in your area? A new website has been created where you can check on the levels of reported crime where you live. Simply click here to access the site, enter your postcode and a map will open showing the different types of crime taking place, how many there are and where.
This has a number of uses, firstly you will be able to see if the reality of the number of incidents reported matches your experience, you may be surprised either way. Secondly you may wish to move to a new home, this is a chance to check out the area. Thirdly insurance companies will undoubtedly make use of this to raise premiums where crime is seen to be high, but will consumers benefit where crime is low? Finally, will this increase peoples fear of their surroundings?
Having looked at my own postcode I see that a quite large number of violent incidents occured in a couple of streets near me. Now should I avoid those streets to keep myself safe? Are there gangs of marauding 'hoodies' preying on 'innocent' and sweet natured citizens like myself? I have to say no, there aren't but the figures for December seem to say otherwise. Any number of these incidents may be 'domestic', in other words, behind closed doors. This in no way trivialises domestic violence - it is reprehensible - but without breaking down these crimes it can make us even more anxious about our safety when there is little or no reason to be so.
Use the site as you will, but take the figures it provides with a sense of proportion.
www.police.uk
