Statistics showing the level of crime for every neighbourhood in the country are now available online – following the lead of West Yorkshire Police Authority.

The authority introduced the crime-mapping website, beatcrime.info, more than two years ago.

Now all 43 police forces in England and Wales are publishing the internet maps, which show the levels of offences, including robbery, burglary and car crime.

The colour-coded charts show how areas compare with the average, with some forces detailing crime statistics at street level.

For instance, there were 1,448 offences of anti-social behaviour in the Bradford city centre and Forster Square area in the last 12 months, equivalent to 921 offences for every 1,000 of the population.

But in Haworth there were 360 offences of anti-social behaviour, equal to 35.6 offences in every 1,000.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable, Sir Norman Bettison, speaking as the Association of Chief Police Officers lead on policing futures, said his police authority had started making crime mapping data available, to keep the public informed about local incidents and trends, two years ago.

Sir Norman said: “This fulfils the key responsibility to give information to communities in order that they can see the real level of crime and help the police to address it.

“This neighbourhood picture has provided reassurance for many people about the ability of the police to tackle crime in their local area.

“Given this positive response from the public, ACPO supports the roll-out of this facility nationally and will be assisting the Home Office in taking it forward.”

The Authority last month earned a prestigious national award for Beatcrime.

The honour, at the Police Training Authority Trust Awards, recognised the innovative nature of the website and the part it plays in ensuring accountability for local policing.

Authority chairman, Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, said he was proud Beatcrime was still regarded as leader in the field of crime mapping.

He said a number of improvements were being made to the website which would give the site a modern feel and extra functions.

Police Minister Vernon Coker said he hoped the maps would “empower” communities and help make the police more accountable.

e-mail: steve.wright@telegraphandargus.co.uk