Hate crime increase since Manchester Arena attck

Rob Potts, Assistant Chief Constable

Since the terror attack at the Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May 2017 there has been a significant increase in the amount of hate crimes reported across Greater Manchester.

Reports of religious hate crime increased by three times after the Manchester Arena terror attack, but other types of hate crime also increased during that time.

One month on from the attack, the level of hate crime reports has returned to similar reporting levels as before the Manchester attack.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “Greater Manchester has a diverse population, with people from different faiths and backgrounds and this is something that we are proud of, it’s what makes us the city we are. We will not tolerate hatred or discrimination of any kind.

“When a major tragedy occurs such as the attacks in Manchester and London, it is sadly not unusual for there to be a spike in the amount of hate crimes, specifically against race and religion, but thankfully they do decrease again quickly.

“We continue to monitor the levels of hate crimes that are reported and it is essential that we remind people about the importance of reporting when a hate crime happens to you, or you see it happening.

“Hate crime is often under reported for a number of reasons, but we want people to have the confidence in coming forward as no one should be the subject of hate and intolerance.

“We are grateful to have very strong relationships and cooperation with different faith groups in Greater Manchester.

“To report a hate crime, if you don’t feel comfortable coming to speak to the police, you can report a hate crime through Tell Mama who support victims of Islamophobia, Community Security Trust who protects British Jews from anti-Semitism or you can report anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“There are also a number of non-police centres that allow you to report incidents in complete confidence, more information and for reporting centres locations can be found at letsendhatecrime.com.

“In an emergency call 999 – this is when a crime is being committed or has just been witnessed, there is a risk of injury, or a risk of serious damage to property.

“To report a non-emergency incident or make a general inquiry, call the non-emergency number 101.”