In the twelve months to September 2018, 46 per cent of such offences recorded by Greater Manchester Police were shut with no suspect in the frame, while West Midlands Police closed 44 per cent.
Other forces closed around a third, including British Transport Police (37 per cent), Northumbria (33 per cent) and Sussex (31 per cent).
The offences – all of which are defined as hate crimes – include racially or religiously aggravated assault, harassment and criminal damage.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission described the figures as “disappointing”, adding that victims of these offences often don’t report what has happened to them “as they feel that the police won’t take the incident seriously or have the power to act”.
Independent charity Victim Support warned the figures could undermine public confidence in the ability of the justice system to report hate crime.
Greater Manchester Police acknowledged it had “a lot of work to do” to ensure hate crimes were dealt with “in the best ways that we can”, while West Midlands Police said it was determined to follow “all active lines of inquiry to trace suspects”.
The analysis has been compiled by the Press Association based on data published by the Home Office. It reveals that:
– A total of 28% of all racially and religiously-aggravated offences recorded in England and Wales…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.