Reports of hate crimes in Gateshead rise significantly over 12 years
Gateshead Council introduces new strategy to address hate crime figures
Reports of hate crimes in the Northumbria Police area have soared over the past 12 years, reaching nearly 4,000 cases in 2023/24, according to recent figures.
A Gateshead Council draft community cohesion report revealed that hate crimes reported have grown substantially from 626 in 2011/12 to 3,983 by 2023/24.
Among these crimes, around two-thirds are racially motivated, though incidences related to sexual orientation and disability are also increasing.
Gateshead Council has addressed this issue in their draft community cohesion strategy, which is awaiting approval from the local authority's cabinet.
The strategy emphasizes collaboration among authorities and partners to strengthen community connections, promote fairness in accessing services, and engage young people in shaping their communities.
Angela Douglas, who wrote the strategy’s foreword, stated: “We have to be honest about the challenges. Community cohesion is not about pretending everyone agrees or that tensions do not exist. It is about dealing with problems early, acting consistently when behaviour causes harm, and building trust through action, not words.”
Chief Inspector Thomas Hart of Northumbria Police commented on the rise in hate crime reports: “We want to make it clear that anyone who is subjected to any form of threatening, abusive, or violent behaviour is a victim of crime – and we will ensure they are offered the help and support they deserve.
“When someone is targeted simply because of who they are and what they believe in – that is a hate crime. Such offending is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated, and as a force, we fully recognise the impact this can have on victims of these types of crimes.”
Chief Inspector Hart added that the increase in reports could be attributed to better information about what constitutes a hate crime and greater confidence in reporting offences.
He assured that Northumbria Police is committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.
Hart encouraged anyone experiencing abuse to come forward, noting that reports can be made via social media, live chat, reporting forms on the website, or by calling 101.