No matter where you live, it’s important that you always take safety precautions to make sure your family is protected at all times. One way of ensuring this is to be in the know of all crimes that take place in your local area.This information is critical, especially if you’re planning to move to a new area. Researching a new place is key to finding the perfect home and crime should be at the top of your list while looking around.If you’re curious about what a neighborhood looks like behind the scenes, give this cool site a try.

Interactive site identifies crime in areas you’re looking at

SpotCrime is an interactive website and application that identifies crime in any area you want to search for. The site isn’t limited to just theft.Users can also search for arrests, arsons, shootings and more; giving you the full scope of the neighborhood’s safety.The service is 100% free to users and contains updated information from police agencies and other validated sources. Although the information comes from top sources, the site can be choppy when it comes to updates. Some areas receive posts every day and others weekly.If you’re searching for information about the area you currently live in, daily updates can be a big bonus. But, if you are moving and just want a general idea of what the area is like the weekly updates won’t do you a disservice.

Use with caution

As incredible as SpotCrime can be, there are some small quirks to it that you may want to be aware of. Yes, the crime details that are used come from valid sources, but, users are free to provide crime tips and details. The website will still verify these submissions but by the time they go through, it could already be a few days before they are posted.If you want to receive important information immediately, use something like a police scanner or Nextdoor neighborhood social media.SpotCrime can be very easy to use if you are paying attention to what you’re selecting on the main page. However, the home page is flooded with advertisements that can be misleading. Many of them seem like they lead to more details of crimes but often redirect you to different websites.

Stay informed, stay safe

Several of us here at Komando.com have installed the complete home security kit from Kim’s sponsor SimpliSafe. Not only does it offer 24/7 surveillance of your home without a contract, but it will also monitor for things like glass breaks, fire, gas leaks and water damage.Get the only home security system I recommend. Go to SimplisafeKim.com right now and receive a 60-day money back guarantee, free shipping and free returns.We may receive compensation from SimpliSafe for promoting the company, but we weren’t paid for this specific review. All reporting is our own.If you want to look at crime in certain areas, check out the SpotCrime site by tapping or clicking here or on the link below inside the blue box.The SpotCrime app is free and available for both Apple and Android gadgets. Click here to download the app for iOS. Click here to download the app for Android.