Roswell crime tracking goes online

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE/KBIM) - Roswell is part of a growing number of cities using the site CrimeReports.com to help combat crime through public awareness.

The site gathers data from the police department daily, and maps crimes like burglary, auto theft, sexual assault and others.

Richard Lucero of the Roswell Safe Coalition got the city involved and said it costs the coalition around $1,200 a year.

The site is open to everyone and allows users to type in their address to see crimes in their area.

The Web site can also send automated e-mail alerts to users when certain crimes are reported.

Lucero said the site allow residents to be proactive by monitoring crime trends.

"If you see a pattern of burglaries in your general neighborhood then you can take the time to go through your house and make sure it is secure," Lucero said. "Make sure it is locked up; make sure your burglar alarms are working."

Lucero said addresses near hospitals will sometimes map a large number of crimes, specifically assaults. That is because police often take reports from the victims at the hospital when the crimes happened elsewhere, he said.

The cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho are also using the CrimeReports.com to track crime.