Map Crime In YOUR Neighbourhood

Back in November I wrote this article detailing the launch of the new police website, which allows people to map the varying levels of crime in their neighbourhood, since then the concept has gone global and (as we like to keep ahead of the game) I am reposting the story, just in case you missed it the first time around.

If you are worried about the level of crime in your area, (at any time of year) you can check for yourself on the Metropolitan Police Crime Mapping website, it will calculate and compare the level of crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood. In Crystal Palace, Upper Norwood, Gipsy Hill and Sydenham total crime levels are average, in a list of five categories ranging from: Low, Below Average, Average, Above Average and High. You can also check various different types of crime including: Burglary, Robbery, Vehicle Crime, Violent Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.

It is not such good news when it comes to burglary in Crystal Palace, the area has an Above Average level of break-ins, with a noticeable increase in the month of December. Burglaries on the Triangle were above average, with break-ins totalling 20 in September, but there has apparently been a 13.5% drop in overall burglaries since 2009. So don't forget to lock your windows and doors and set your alarms!

However in Sydenham with the recent spate of attacks and stabbings in the area, crime levels were at their highest in August this year, since March but overall according to the statistics crime levels have dropped by just over 4%, since 2009 and burglaries are at an all time low as of July 2010, which is good news.

It's very interesting comparing statistics for different areas around London, you can also search for counties and towns around the UK, which is particularly useful if you are considering moving to a new area.

We would like to hear YOUR thoughts, what are your experiences of crime around Crystal Palace? Have you used the crime mapping website yet?

Photo: Wikimedia