Joint NPCC / APCC response to annual Home Office hate crime figures

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Hate Crime, ACC Mark Hamilton said:

“There can never be any excuse for hate crime in any shape or form. Hate crimes have a particularly damaging impact on victims.

“The ten per cent increase in hate crime is in part due to increased confidence of victims to report to the police and continuing efforts by police to improve recording.  However, these statistics also represent real rises in hate crime, and we are particularly concerned about the sharp increases in LGB and Transgender abuse.  

“We also recognise there are real divisions in our society at this time, and there is a responsibility on us all to think carefully and be temperate in how we communicate with each other to avoid escalating tensions or emboldening others. Police will take all reports of threats and abuse seriously and will work to improve justice outcomes for victims. 

“I would encourage anyone who suffers hate crime, or receives a serious threat against them to report it to the police, either by calling 101 (999 in an emergency) or online through our True Vision web site at www.report-it.org.uk.”

Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Lead on Hate Crime, PCC Hardyal Dhindsa, said:

”Police and Crime Commissioners will be deeply concerned by the 10% rise in hate crime recorded by the police compared to 2017/2018, as well as reported spikes linked to specific events such as the EU referendum and the 2017 terrorist attacks. Hate crimes and incidents have a profound effect on victims and represent an attack on the very values that our life here in the UK is based on.

“PCCs will continue to challenge forces to do all they can to respond to hate crime and ensure that the victims services we commission are able to respond with sensitivity and tact to the needs of hate crime victims.

”It is encouraging, however, to see how the rise in reporting suggests that victims are increasingly confident to come forward to the police: I believe this reflects the progress that forces have made on community engagement and understanding the needs of all the communities they serve. If you have been the victim of a hate crime or incident, I encourage you to come forward.

“Hate crime and abuse has no place in society, whether it’s on our streets or in football stadiums, such as the appalling abuse that was targeted at England’s players in last night’s Euro 2020 qualifier.

“Together, we can say #NO2Hate.”