Maps of Oxfordshire's crime hotspots could be published for the first time, if Thames Valley Police can find the money.

The public will be able to log onto Thames Valley Police's website to see where and what type of crimes are taking place.

The force -- which is also considering re-introducing police boxes -- aims to reduce fear of crime by showing people they are unlikely to become victims, and hopes pinpointing offences will encourage the public to report crime and suspicious behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Spence said: "We know the public needs to have a better understanding of what is going on in their neighbourhood.

"If they are able to look up the last time there was a crime, it could help put crime in perspective."

The force hopes maps will help it work more effectively with councils, residents' groups, Neighbourhood Watch, and Oxfordshire's five multi-agency crime and disorder reduction partnerships -- which tackle the causes of crime and improve community safety.

Thames Valley Police aims to make greater use of the Internet and e-mail. The force could bring in police boxes, equipped with computers, to allow the public to report crime over the Internet. They could make it easier for people to report crimes which do not need an immediate response.

Blue police boxes were last seen in the UK in the 1970s. One famously became a time machine in the TV series Dr Who.

The boxes could be put in shops and supermarkets. Options also include making police services available through library computer networks.

A £40,000 pilot scheme is planned for 2003-04.

Mrs Spence said people applying to police for licences, such as firearms licences, might be able to apply online in future. The application would be followed by visits to the applicant's home.

In the USA, people can already find online maps showing crime in their area.

David Wallis, the force's head of service improvement development, said: "Solving crime is a partnership issue and this is a catalyst for that. You can start engaging with the community and talking about how you are going to deal with the problem."

Susan Brown, Oxford City Council executive member for crime and community safety, said: "Crime figures and maps will make clear how unlikely members of the public are to be victims of crime. However, some areas will be worse than others.

"The police will need to make sure that the publishing of maps doesn't stigmatise areas and affect people's ability to get insurance."

Bruce McClaren, the county council's social policy manager, said: "We support the public availability of crime maps as long as it is used responsibly and people have a sense of the context."

Jerry Patterson, Vale of White Horse District Council's executive member for community safety, said: "I grew up in the US and this sort of thing has been going on there for quite a while. Giving the public more information is a terrific idea."

David Wilkins, director of Oxford-based Oliver James estate agents, felt house prices would not be affected by the maps.

He said there was a shortage of accommodation in Oxford and property would continue to be in demand. Many buyers were more interested in the quality of schools.