Hate crimes almost double with more than 3,000 reported in second half of June
More than 3,000 hate crimes and incidents were reported to police across the UK in the second half of June – a jump of 42% compared to last year, new figures have revealed.
The daily rate peaked at 289 alleged offences on June 25 – the day after the result of the EU referendum was announced.
Data published on Friday by the National Police Chiefs’ Council give the most comprehensive insight into the nationwide picture so far.
Forces were asked to disclose weekly numbers after a spate of reports sparked fears of a wave of xenophobic and racial abuse in the wake of the referendum.
The first set of figures show 3,076 hate crimes and incidents were reported to police across the UK between June 16 and 30.
This was an increase of 915, or 42%, compared with last year.
The NPCC said the main type of offence reported over the fortnight was “violence against the person”, which includes harassment and common assault, as well as verbal abuse, spitting and “barging”.
The second and third most prevalent incidents were public order offences and criminal damage.
At the peak, on June 25 2016, 289 alleged offences occurred across the UK.
The NPCC said that since this point there has been a marked decrease in reports but weekly figures will continue to be collated to monitor the situation.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, NPCC lead for hate crime, said: “We now have a clear indication of the increases in the reporting of hate crime nationally and can see that there has been a sharp rise in recent weeks.
“This is unacceptable and it undermines the diversity and tolerance we should instead be celebrating.
“Forces have been monitoring and managing hate crime more robustly since the attacks in Paris in 2015. We believe that greater awareness and confidence in the police response has contributed to this increase in reporting.”
Mr Hamilton said forces have heightened their response to hate crimes over the last 10 days.
“We are working locally and nationally with partners to reassure communities and tackle offending,” he said.
“We will remain in close liaison with the CPS to ensure that the criminal justice system responds quickly and appropriately.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and confident about who they are and should not be made to feel vulnerable or at risk.
“The police service has no tolerance for this type of abuse but we need to be made aware that these crimes are taking place so that we can investigate.”
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