RISING cases of hate crimes recorded in Barnsley will be dealt with more robustly - after the police confirmed youngsters have been responsible for a spike in incidents.
South Yorkshire Police revealed the ten to 17-year-old age bracket now accounts for a fifth of all recorded incidents and plans are underway to involve more schools in a crackdown, the Chronicle can reveal.
Reports have climbed since 2023, with a 4.9 per cent rise in the last two years.
However, it’s offences with an ‘online element’ - particularly on social media - which have dramatically increased with a 20.9 per cent hike.
Race remains the most-reported instance, accounting for 69 per cent of all hate crimes locally.
A report, compiled by Chief Superintendent Simon Wanless - who is Barnsley’s district commander - said a more robust engagement strategy will come into force.
“There is evidence of disproportionality in our suspect data relating to ten to 17 years olds,” he said.
“Around 20 per cent of hate crime is committed by this age group.
“This is a specific action within the revised engagement strategy to raise awareness, also highlighting reporting mechanisms and how to access support.
“This applies to the disproportionality represented in our young cohort of offenders, which will be addressed through engagement in schools.
“The second element is the disproportionality experienced by our female victims of hate crime having a significantly lower action taken rate - this will be addressed through an engagement strategy focused on
building their confidence to support prosecution.
“Our hate crime scrutiny panel meet every six months and discusses investigations and crimes to identify best practice and highlight where improvements can be made.
“We will look to expand our membership and revise our approach, bringing it in line with other quarterly scrutiny calendars quarterly.
“We have hate crime co-ordinators in each district - they routinely review hate offences, signpost victims and engage daily with the public and partners.
“Our focus is to continue to raise awareness, specifically in schools and under-represented community groups.
“Neighbourhood officers now take ownership of all hate crime investigations - this ensures a prompt response, victim contact, support, reassurance and a problem-solving approach.”
Hate crimes will be treated as an ‘aggravated offence’ following the backing of an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill.
The new law will make serious crimes motivated by prejudice against anyone because of their disability, sexual orientation or gender identity aggravated offences - placing them on an equal footing to hate crimes which are motivated by race or religion.
Marie added: “Hate is dividing our society, hate crime is still happening and it is having a devastating impact.
“I know the enormous impact that strengthening this law will have in ensuring victims of hate crime access the justice they have been denied up to this point.”
