Residents Can Now Map Crime in Birmingham Using CRIMEDAR

Birmingham residents can now keep up with crime happening in their neighborhood after the Birmingham Police Department announced Wednesday they would be joining the online crime mapping system, CRIMEDAR.

"We're taking this proactive approach to help residents visually see potential crime patterns taking place in the city," said Birmingham Police Chief Don Studt. "Our goal is to create a partnership between the community and our department with this interactive tool."

How does CRIMEDAR work? Residents need only visit www.crimedar.com/birmingham-michigan and see a map of the city with the date, time, location and description of all reported police incidents around town, including:

• Theft, burglaries and robberies
• Assault
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Gunfire
• Suspicious or threatening behavior

The CRIMEDAR map also features icons depicting various types of crimes, giving residents a quick look at potential crime patterns. The incidents remain on the map for two weeks and are then saved in an archived area.

Residents can also submit tips on the website, as well as any information they may have concerning the incidents. Users are also able to easily share specific incidents on Facebook.

By joining CRIMEDAR, Birmingham joins neighboring Troy and Bloomfield Township in using the crime mapping system. According to the CRIMEDAR website, CRIMEDAR maps are meant not only to help residents keep track of crime in their neighborhood, but also bring law enforcement and residents closer together.

Residents can also track crime in Birmingham by signing up for the Nixle Community Information Service, which Birmingham joined in January. With Nixle, residents can receive breaking police news instantly via text messages and email.

To register for Nixle, visit www.nixle.com or by sending a text message with the zip code 48009 to 888777.