Met Police record 25% rise in antisemitic offences

The Metropolitan Police recorded 1,379 antisemitic offences in the 12 months to the end of July, a 25% increase on the previous year. This figure represents an average of three to four reports of antisemitic hate crime per day, according to Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes. The offences range from antisemitic slurs shouted from cars to harassment in the streets.

Government Funding for Increased Police Presence

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In response to the rising figures and concerns within the community, the UK government announced in July that the Metropolitan Police would receive £86 million. This funding is designated for recruiting extra officers to increase police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods, around synagogues, schools, and community centres. The force currently has 36 dedicated officers based in north-west London and Stamford Hill.

Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes stated that the additional government support allows the force to focus resources, particularly as the Met is currently shrinking. He emphasised that the new community protection teams will work in partnership with the Community Security Trust and the volunteer Jewish civilian patrol group Shomrim, who have the confidence and trust of the community.

Community Concerns and 'Annus Horribilis'

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Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, described the past 12 months as an "annus horribilis" for many Jewish Londoners, citing a sense of anxiety and the realisation of long-feared dangers. The period has seen incidents including arson attacks on Jewish property and ambulances, and stabbings of Orthodox Jewish men in Golders Green. The national terror threat level was also raised to severe in April.

Tami Isaacs Pearce, who runs Karma Bread Bakery in north London, expressed hope for change, stating that the community needs to feel free and safe to be themselves. She noted that preparations for Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah involve wishes for a sweet and abundant new year, a sentiment that is becoming increasingly important given the challenges of the past year.

The threat to the Jewish community is multifaceted, according to Jukes, stemming from extreme right-wing groups, Islamist terrorists, and hostile states. Counter-terrorism police have made 35 arrests as part of 11 investigations into such threats.

The Metropolitan Police aims for the new community protection teams to serve as a model for how policing can respond when tensions rise and other communities experience spikes in hate crime. The force has also increased police presence around mosques following an alleged terror plot.