Crime mapping: adding value to crime prevention and control

Abstract

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world. Australians can go about their daily lives with little chance of their becoming the target of a criminal attack, however the prospect that it might happen worries a lot of people. Although most of Australia is comparatively safe, the incidence of crime is much greater than it was 20 years ago. Criminal activity hurts and outrages people, and costs the community billions of dollars. Most places have no crime, and most crime is highly concentrated in a relatively small number of places. Local government is well placed to address issues of crime prevention and community safety. It can be a catalyst for change and a vehicle for the establishment of partnerships with other key agencies.