WIREDGOV

Official statistics published today show the number of hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025 has increased by 2% on the previous 12 months.

The data shows a significant increase in police recorded religious hate crimes targeting Muslims, with a spike around the time of the Southport murders and the disorder that followed.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s Joint leads on Race Disparity, Equality and Human Rights, Alison Lowe OBE and John Campion, said:

“An increase in hate crimes recorded by police is deeply concerning, particularly following a drop in recent years. Whilst today’s figures do not provide a comprehensive picture, spikes at certain times appear to show clear correlations between events here and abroad and offences against particular communities. To target someone because of perceived difference is completely unacceptable and chips away at the bonds between communities in a way that risks fundamentally damaging the fabric of society. Now more than ever, it is particularly important that we stand up against those who spread hate and prejudice – particularly those of us in leadership positions.

“It is vital policing responds appropriately when someone has the courage to report this kind of crime. We will continue to urge our Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Deputy Mayor colleagues across the country to hold their chief constables to account on this. Anyone who becomes a victim of a hate crime must feel confident in coming forward, knowing they will be taken seriously – and we would urge them to do so.

“Next week is Hate Crime Awareness Week (11-18 October), a time to show there is no place in our society for directing hate at another person, and to pull together to call out those who seek to divide us.”

Notes

• Alison Lowe OBE is West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
• John Campion is PCC for West Mercia
• The statistics, Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2025, can be found via gov.uk.