The new ‘police maps’ website, www.police.uk which allows the public to see the levels of reported crime in a given postcode area, has so far received a lukewarm response from the British public and most think it will not help reduce crime levels, our poll has found.
- 44% thought the maps provided an accurate picture of the crime levels in their area compared to 26% who did not (a significant 29% didn’t know)
- 46% agreed that the site was useful, while 32% said they didn’t think it was
- 48% feel the maps will increase people’s fear of crime compared to 35% who think they won’t make a difference and just 5% who think it will reduce fear
- Similarly, 70% think that the maps will make no difference in the fight against crime, while just 8% think it will help (7% think they will actively hinder the cause).
British panellists discussed the maps immediately following the site’s launch last week, with some expressing reservations about their usefulness and other worried that they may simply act to scare local residents and even reduce house prices in affected areas.
However, Home Secretary Theresa May defended the maps, saying they would help make police more accountable, give people ‘real facts’ and allow them to make better connections with the police. She told the BBC, ‘People are going to welcome the fact they can really see what's happening with crime in their area’.
