Crime maps could shape housing decisions

The information could affect where people choose to live, with the maps giving information on crimes almost at a street by street level.

Dino Patel, regional manager for the National Housing Federation in London, said the maps need to be accurate if people are going to use it to decide where to live.

‘It’s good provided the information is up-to-date and robust enough,’ he said. ‘If not, people will be misinformed and end up making decisions on errors.’

He also said it could be useful for councils as they could identify problem areas and work to improve them.

Sophia Ferguson, 42, a tenant from Druid Street in Bermondsey – an ‘above average’ crime area – said she would not move out. But added: ‘People will want to move out, it will probably scare people – especially older people.’ 

A spokesperson for Havering Council – which has an ‘average’ crime rating - said: ‘We will work with our partners to address anti-social behaviour in these locations.

‘Havering is a low crime borough and the map is unlikely to have any effect on housing lettings.’