Reported hate crimes in Wiltshire and Swindon up 4% since start of pandemic
Annual hate crime statistics have been released by the Home Office
Hate Crime in Wiltshire and Swindon has increased by 4% over the previous year according to national figures published by the Home Office.
In the year between April 2020 and March 2021 there were 753 reports of hate crime, 29 more than in 2019/20.
hese statistics monitor the five types of hate crimes recognised in law: race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability.
It should be noted that some occurrences may include more than one type of hate crime attached to it. Therefore the numbers above total more than the number of reports received.
Racial hate crime continues to be the largest of all reported hate crimes and 26 more reports were made during the year with exceptionally high reports of this type of crime in July and August 2020 as lockdown restrictions were eased.
Inspector James Williams, Tactical Lead for Hate Crime said: “Although the year-on-year increase is just 4% it is worrying to see any increase as there is no place in civilised society for hate crimes.
"It can be extremely damaging to those on the receiving end as well as for their families and wider communities.”
“We have experienced a reduction in religious and transgender flagged hate crimes but seen increases in disability and racially motivated hate crimes. I would encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime to report it. We take all such reports seriously.”