"Hate crime undermines the diversity and tolerance we should instead be celebrating"

Last year saw 52,528 hate crimes recorded by the police, an increase of 18 per cent. This is seen as welcome news by law enforcement agencies who are seeking to tackle the widespread under-reporting of hate crime across all categories. However, it is important to engage with communities in order to prevent any rise in the number of incidents taking place and reduce the harm caused.

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

“The upwards trend in today’s statistics is likely to reflect positive factors such as better recording practices, greater awareness of hate crime and improved confidence among victims to come forward.

“Hate crime damages society and undermines the diversity and tolerance we should instead be celebrating.  The police are working hard to reduce its impact by listening to victims and supporting the most vulnerable, however, is also vital that communities and partner agencies come together to challenge hatred wherever they see it.

“We strongly encourage anyone who thinks they may have experienced or witnessed hate crime to report it by calling 101, contacting Crimestoppers or using our True Vision Website.”

The True Vision website and more information can be found at http://www.report-it.org.uk/home

The full set of Home Office Publications can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales-2014-to-2015