A system of "crime maps" is set to begin in Wales from December, according to a source.

It is hoped internet technology will allow Welsh police forces to develop a map of crime locations and statistics, reports Walesonline.co.uk.

The information would then be used in an attempt to lower crime, and home insurance policy claims, while also reassuring the public, the website states.

However, there has been some discontent regarding the idea, which already operates within Birmingham and London, with a spokesman for the Police Federation claiming the plan is a "gimmick", the source adds.

Clive Chamberlain told the website he did not like the proposal as it would "give criminals an encyclopaedia of where to go out and commit crime".

Martin Smedley, an IT assistant director for south Wales police, claims the availability of crime information will not benefit criminals as "most of it is already in the public domain".

The Home Office announced last month everyone in England and Wales will have access to crime maps by the end of 2008, reports the BBC.

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