Sign in Subscribe
Anti-racism

Hate Crime on the Rise in Bristol: Community Leaders Voice Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Community leaders in Bristol are voicing concerns that the fear of harassment is leading people to change the way they live their lives, amid a growing sense of anxiety. Reports of hate crime based on race or religion have increased by 6.3% in the last 12 months, according to Avon and Somerset police. The issue was the focus of the police and crime commissioner's monthly Police Question Time session, which also included community leaders from Stand Against Racism and Inequality and Bridges for Communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reports of hate crime based on race or religion in Bristol increased by 6.3% in the last 12 months, according to Avon and Somerset police.
  • Community leaders are concerned that the fear of harassment is leading people to change the way they live their lives, amid a growing sense of anxiety.
  • Chief Constable Sarah Crew stated that hate crime can have a "hugely traumatic and corrosive effect" on individuals and communities, and that the police have stepped up their approaches to tackle the issue.
  • The police are conducting daily monitoring of hate crimes through Operation Herring, which involves looking at every single hate crime and hate incident, as well as monitoring social media and neighbourhood teams.
  • There has been a "steady but consistent rise" in hate crime over the last five years in Avon and Somerset, with a 3.1% increase in all types of hate crime and a 4.9% increase in race- or religion-based hate crime.
  • Nationally, Islamophobia has increased by 19%, according to statistics cited by Ms Raikes from Stand Against Racism and Inequality.

Statistics:

  • 6.3% increase in reports of hate crime based on race or religion in Bristol in the last 12 months
  • 3.1% increase in all types of hate crime in Avon and Somerset in the last 12 months
  • 4.9% increase in race- or religion-based hate crime in Bristol in the last 12 months
  • 19% increase in Islamophobia nationally

Sources:

  • Avon and Somerset police
  • Chief Constable Sarah Crew's statement at the Police Question Time session
  • Stand Against Racism and Inequality
  • Bridges for Communities
  • National statistics on Islamophobia cited by Ms Raikes from Stand Against Racism and Inequality

Read more