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Chief Constable vows zero tolerance on post-Referendum hate crime

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson has promised continued “strength and friendship” for minority groups in light of the referendum result.

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson. Credit: West Midlands Police

National hate crime reporting portal True Vision registered an increase in allegations since Friday’s ‘Brexit’ decision but that has not been mirrored across the West Midlands where levels of recorded hate crime have remained stable, said the police force.

We will prioritise local engagement with those communities who feel vulnerable. We must offer strength and friendship for those feeling vulnerable and show intolerance to hateful behaviour in our communities.

It is no surprise people are feeling insecure. This insecurity is, I think, amplified for some through race or religion or for others who have moved to the region from elsewhere in Europe.

In some sense this is not as a result of direct actions by people in their communities. It is set in the context of a referendum that has had a forceful debate on immigration, our relationship with Europe and national identity.

– West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson.

Since April 1, West Midlands Police has recorded an average of just over 10 hate crimes per day; that trend continued over the weekend with nine reported incidents on Saturday and 11 on Sunday.

We did not see a significant rise in hate crime in the days immediately following the referendum result. This is being carefully monitored. We have had some incidents and events that are being treated seriously and investigated.

I need to be clear we will absolutely not tolerate crimes of hate and we will be responsive to these incidents, bring people to justice and care for victims.

– West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson.

Anyone who thinks they may have experienced or witnessed hate crime is urged to report it by calling West Midlands Police on the 101 number, the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or visit the True Vision website.