Home Office Statistics published on Thursday 6th October, show that the number of hate crimes reported to Wiltshire Police in the year ending 31st March 2022 had increased over the previous year. A total of 902 hate crimes were reported which was up from 753 in the previous year.
Inspector James Williams, Tactical Lead for Hate Crime, said: “The Home Office statistics record a 26% increase in the reporting of hate crimes in England and Wales. There were a total 155,841 crimes recorded by the Police.”
“The reported increase in Wiltshire and Swindon was anticipated following the pandemic when the rate of increase slowed due to the lockdowns. Although the 16.5% increase in reporting in Wiltshire is lower than the national average, and the lowest level in the South-West, we are not complacent and encourage all those who are victims of a hate crime or witness a hate crime to report it.”
“We have worked hard to encourage such reporting and officers and staff have also been building relationships with our communities that are most likely to fall victims of hate crime. However, we know the figures reported to us are unlikely to represent the true picture and we need to address the under reporting.”
“If you are a victim of hate crime or witness a hate crime taking place, please report it.”
A Hate Crime is defined as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic.’ There are five centrally monitored strands of hate crime:
- race or ethnicity
- religion or beliefs
- sexual orientation
- disability
- transgender identity
You can view the whole report here: Hate Crime Statistics England and Wales 2021-2022
To report a hate crime where there is threat to life or injury, call 999. In a non-emergency situation, report online here or call 101.
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