While religious hate crimes have more than quadrupled across England and Wales over the past decade, Suffolk recorded just 25 incidents last year – down from 32 the previous year.
The big picture: Religious hate crimes across England and Wales have risen dramatically from 2,264 in 2013-14 to 10,484 in the year to March 2024 – a record high. Suffolk, however, has bucked this trend.
Why it matters: The national surge has been particularly pronounced since October 2023, driven by increased hate crimes targeting Jewish and Muslim communities following the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
By the numbers:
Suffolk recorded 25 religious hate crimes in the year to March, down from 32 the previous year.
Nationally, religious hate crimes rose by 25% to 10,484 incidents.
Jewish-targeted hate crimes more than doubled to 3,282.
Muslim-targeted offences increased by 13%.
What they're saying: Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the national figures "appalling levels" of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, adding: "We must not allow events unfolding in the Middle East to play out in increased hatred and tension here on our streets."
While Suffolk has seen fewer incidents than the previous year, authorities nationally are pledging zero tolerance for religious hatred, with Cooper stating those responsible "must face the full force of the law."
The bottom line: While any hate crime is unacceptable, Suffolk's decreasing and comparatively low numbers offer reassurance about community cohesion in our county.
