Neil Thurlow and Alexander Hancock presented an overview of the Hate Crime strategy.  The four year strategy was developed through extensive consultation and is in line with the Mayor of London and Home Office.  There are four strands: Prevention, Protection, Engagement and Enforcement.

Safer Merton works closely with Victim Support.  Mr Thurlow informed the meeting that there is a focus to work with communities. There is under reporting of hate crime and this may because it is stigmatised because of the personal nature.  During National Hate Crime Week 2016, Safer Merton led activities/events and engaged with 300 people face to face and 1000 via social media.

The terrorist events has prompted the borough to be more focused on hate crime. Hate Crime is higher in Merton in other boroughs. It initially increased post Brexit but has reduced.

Mr Hancock informed the meeting that in May there were 26 offences and in June there were 38. There was not a large increase following the terror attacks or the general election.

In May the incidents were racially motivated and the religious crimes largely related to Muslims. In June they were mainly racially motivated and the faiths affected were Jewish and Muslim. However some of the crimes also related to disability and homophobia.

The increase in numbers means we are getting better at giving confidence – people are therefore more willing to report incidents.  Alexander reported that that MOPAC has an online Hate Crime Hub. There is also a specialist Hate Crime Officer in the borough.

The borough commemorated IDAHO Day on 17 May. 8^th to 15^th October is Hate Crime week  Mr Thurlow asked the JCC to get involved and also help to promote the week’s activities.

Questions/Comments

Which faiths experience hate crime? Mr Hancock replied that most victims are Muslim so the faith tends to be Islam. In May 4 victims were Muslim and in June 3 victims were Muslim.

What is the reason for the increase? There are numerous reasons for the increase but there was no significant  increase after the elections.  Mr  Hancock encouraged the JCC representatives to ensure that members of their communities report   incidents to the Police and get the available support.

Are schools signed up to the strategy?    Yes – schools have a Police Officer who engage with young people.   The aim of the strategy   is to encourage reporting as hate crime will not be tolerated in the borough.  Where a perpetrator is found enforcement action will be taken.

16 to 25 year olds experience hate via social media, how is this tackled as it is impossible to Police the internet? Mr Hancock replied that the Police look at hate crime on the internet. Social media can be difficult as it can be used anonymously of if the perpetrator is abroad it is difficult for the UK Police to tackle.  There are thresholds – the online threshold is very high, it has to be grossly offensive.  It is better for the social media companies to tackle.

It was suggested that a collaborative approach with the mosques is required.

Is it a crime not to report hate crime? No it is not – you don’t have to report it if you witness it.

Does the Police know that hate crime takes place within communities? There is a flag for crimes, e.g. honour based crime. The Police will look at crime perpetrated with the community.

A request of the crime types was made and also the locations.  Are the numbers low in Merton? No they are statistically higher by proportion compared to London. The data is from the Police  and is sensitive.  There is information available on the Met website and the Home Office also has details.

How many convictions have there been? May 3 people charged and 9 cases are in progress.  In June  were charged and 12 are in progress. Perpetrators receive fines and community service, custodial sentences – sentencing guidance is used .