SPECIAL REPORT: Authorities pledge to tackle Islamophobia in Leeds
It's after our investigation uncovered anti-Muslim hate crime's on the up.
Last updated 23rd Oct 2018
Police and council bosses have told Radio Aire they're taking tough action against Islamophobia in Leeds.
It comes off the back of our investigation which discovered anti-Muslim hate crime across West Yorkshire has trebled since 2016.
In Leeds officers dealt with 170 incidents in the space of a year. That means officers were dealing with a case, on average, every other day.
One possible explanation for the huge rise is a change in how West Yorkshire Police record hate crimes.
In 2016 the Home Office set out a new hate crime action plan for police forces in England and Wales.
They demanded that when police record an incident they include the faith of the victim, a measure which came into effect in April 2016.
Superintendent Justine Plumb from West Yorkshire Police told Radio Aire it's helping them tackle it:
The Government also set up joint training between police forces and Crown Prosecution staff as part of efforts to improve how hate crime is spotted and investigated.
'Not everyone feels comfortable walking into a police station'
Those working to tackle Islamophobia recognise that a large part of the problem is getting people to report hate crimes in the first place.
It's sparked action from council chiefs to try and break down the stigmas that exist around speaking out about hateful abuse or attacks.
Leeds City Council are trying to head out into communities to make the process less intimidating. They're increasing the number of reporting centres across the city by setting them up in buildings like schools, places of worship and libraries.
Councillor Debra Coupar is Executive Member for Communities and says: "we're a very welcoming city, we're a City of Sanctuary and we will not stand for any hates crimes in this city."
"The impact on these victims is so real, can be so devestating and affect every part of their daily life."
"We hope that people will continue to work with us to stamp out hate crime."
"We have a true ambition of trying to eradicate it in this city."
Stopping incidents before they escalate
Charities are telling Radio Aire the figures we've uncovered are only the small part of a problem - as it's drastically under-reported.
Stop Hate UK, a national charity based in Leeds, are trying to close the gap by raising awareness of the support that's in the place for victims.
Chief Executive Rose Simkins says there is no doubt that incidents are increasing, but worries many people still don't have the confidence to come forward.
She explains if incidents aren't reported straight away there's a risk they can escalate: "report as early as possible because we don't want things to escalate into more violent crimes, and we don't want people to be suffering by receiving abuse on a daily basis."
"It can only help if professionals in support services know about it. What we're striving for is that we all know what hate crime is and that we all know that support is there."
West Yorkshire Police are increasing the training staff receive so they're able to better help victims. Superintendent Justine Plumb says: "we're changing the culture within our own workforce about the impact of hate crime so our staff take it far more seriously."
"We have changed considerably and I think that increases confidence in that we will listen to people. As a workforce we're trying to be more reflective of our communities as well."
Safer Leeds, a partnership created to help reduce crime in the city, are also making hate crime a priority. They're training specialist officers to focus on reducing the problem.
If you have been affected by Islamophobia here's a list of places that can help:
Stop Hate UK Leeds - including a list of local reporting centres