South Korea plans to publish a “crime map” next year indicating areas with high crime rates in a bid to boost public safety, government officials said Wednesday.

The online map will identify regional blocks prone to four types of crimes ― sexual assault, school violence, domestic violence and food-related crimes ― based on a new database being established by the Ministry of Security and Public Administration, according to the officials.

Aside from crime information, the map will also provide information on incidences of traffic accidents and natural disasters, they said.

The ministry plans to complete mapping a dozen cities by the end of this year and publish a nationwide version in the second half of 2014, according to the officials.

The database under development is expected to integrate a vast array of safety data and statistics currently held separately by multiple government agencies, they said.

“The new system will greatly contribute to public safety since it will provide local governments with comprehensive safety information to implement better policy measures,” Security and Public Administration Minister Yoo Jeong-bok said.

The ministry said it plans to spend 20 billion won ($17.9 million) on the project. (Yonhap News)