Homophobic crime in London up by more than 5%

May 13 2014
Written by Scott Roberts

Homophobic crime in London has increased by 5.6% reversing a previous decline, latest figures from the Metropolitan Police Service show.

In the 12 months to March this year, 1,167 homophobic crimes were reported to the force – that’s a rise of 62 incidents compared to the preceding 12-month period.

From March 2012 to March 2013 homophobic crime across London dropped by 12.7%, with 161 fewer offences reported.

At the time the reduction was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Earlier this month, Home Office minister Norman Baker said the UK Government was making “progress” in tackling hate crime.

Home Secretary Theresa May said in March that she feared too many people are still frightened to report homophobic crime.

Figures released in December last year by the Home Office showed there had been a fall in the number of homophobic crimes recorded in England and Wales – however reports of transphobic crime had risen.