West Midlands Police take proactive action to tackle antisemitic hate crime
It's after an incident was reported during a gathering in Birmingham last week
Acting Chief Constable Scott Green said today: "After engaging with community members during the past few weeks, we understand the increased fear that currently exists within local Jewish communities.
"Antisemitic hate crime continues to increase across the country with regular protest activity and online abuse, particularly in light of the current international tensions. The Community Security Trust reported the concerning national rise in anti-Jewish hate incidents during the last year.
"West Midlands Police acknowledges that this growing trend creates a real anxiety and concern to people wishing to go about their normal peaceful lives and negatively impacts on how safe people feel.
"On Thursday (5 March), an incident was reported during a gathering in Birmingham and as a result an investigation is under way into racially/religiously aggravated public order.
"As part of this investigation one man has been interviewed under caution and another arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
"In a separate incident on Sunday 8 February, the force arrested two people as part of our policing operation in response to a pre-planned ‘Anti-Zionist Movement’ event in Birmingham. This proactive approach was taken by officers acting on information and taking action against individuals suspected of inciting racial hatred and threatening behaviour.
"We have listened, and in light of the increasing levels of fear, we want to be clear and inform people of how we will police events and protests, continuing to take a proactive approach, going forwards.
"We know people are concerned about banners and chants that incite antisemitic violence, racial or religious hatred, or cause harassment, alarm and distress.
"If such actions occur, at any time or location in the West Midlands, the public can expect WMP to take positive action and make arrests where the law allows. Detectives will thoroughly investigate any report of antisemitic hate crime.
"We respect people’s right to protest and express views, and this includes protest in support of Palestinian and/or Jewish people without intimidating individuals, communities or breaking the law. However, words have meanings and consequences.
"Our intention and commitment is to ensure a safe place for everyone to live, work and visit the West Midlands. We will keep communities safe, deter intimidation, and enforce the law.
"We also actively encourage people to speak to us. The safety of the public is our priority. We therefore ask people to keep talking to us, especially engaging with local neighbourhood policing teams, and report incidents promptly so we can thoroughly investigate these.
"We are here for you and are committed to protecting people from harm."