Tackling hate crime remains a priority

At its peak, these returns showed a 58 per cent increase in the reporting of hate crime in comparison to 2015. This has since subsided and we have now observed four consecutive weeks of reductions in reporting. The latest returns from August 5 – 18 2016 show 2778 hate crimes and incidents.  This is a decrease of 479 offences on the previous fortnight but it is a 14 per cent increase on the equivalent period in 2015. 

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Hate Crime, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said:

“We have seen continued decreases in reports of hate crimes to forces and these reports have now returned to formerly seen levels for 2016. For this reason, we will return to our previous reporting procedures and will no longer be requiring weekly updates from forces.

“This doesn’t mean that hate crime is no longer a priority. We know that divisions still exist in our society and that tensions could rise again. Police forces will continue with their robust response and we will react swiftly to any future signs of tension.

“I am aware that hate crime is still an under-reported crime but we believe that greater awareness and confidence in the police response has contributed to increases in reporting in comparison to last year.

“Nobody should suffer in silence and would urge victims and those feeling vulnerable to come forward. The police service has no tolerance for this type of abuse and need to be made aware that these crimes are taking place so that we can investigate.”

Victims and those feeling vulnerable should report any incident of hate crime to the police on 101 or using our True Vision website (www.report-it.org.uk). In an emergency, always dial 999.