Wednesday, 10 January 2024

Crime reports statistics


We share a monthly summary of homophobic (HO) and transphobic (HT) crime reports in London. These are figures for incidents and offences reported to the Metropolitan Police. Also included is the sanction detection rate (SD) for these reported cases. 



It should be stressed that here is evidence that there is significantly under-reporting of hate crimes. We are working to increase the number of reported crimes shown in these statistics by working with the police to increase public confidence in reporting.

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) publishes statistics on all hate crimes in London on their Hate Crime Dashboard

2023

2022
2021

2020
The year started off with an elevated number of homophobic hate crimes. The COVID19 lockdown has reduced the number of reports. This has now risen back to pre-COVID levels.

2019
    2018
    2017
    2016



    Sunday, 26 March 2023

     

    Casey Review finds systemic shortcomings in internal culture and professional standards in the MPS


    Baroness Casey has published her independent review into the internal culture and professional standards of the Metropolitan Service (MPS).  The LGBT+ Advisory Group to the MPS welcomes the findings of this stark and challenging report. The review has provided a forensic analysis giving a perspective that crosses many strands.

    Our Advisory Group was established in 2020 following the London nail bomb attacks in Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho. We have been working with the MPS on LGBT+ issues. The MPS has made much progress in many areas and there is clear commitment at the senior levels to equality, diversity and inclusion. However, almost 23 years, the Casey Review confirms that much more needs to be done. 

    It is clear from our own work that there are still deep-seated cultural shortcomings in the MPS. Too many frustrating interactions have shown us that there is much inertia against change in this large organisation. We hope that this review will provide renewed focus and impetus to the transformational change needed in the MPS.

    The reports finds that frontline policing has been eroded over the years and that trust and confidence in the police has been falling, especially within the LGBT+ community. The failure to link the serial murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor in 2014-15 was a turning point, showing that the urgent need to raise the cultural competence of the frontline police. 

    The review team’s survey also found MPS’s own LGBT+ officers and staff have regular experience of homophobia, and that there are many cultural barriers to challenge such behaviour. 

    The LGBT+ Advisory Group is committed to working with with the MPS to implement the recommendations of the Casey Review. We will be actively challenging the MPS to make sure that the LGBT+ issues remain an integral part of the cultural transformation needed in the MPS. 

    We are currently involved in developing a new model of LGBT+ community liaison officers to improve how the local police engage with and listen to the community, a key shortcoming identified by the review.

    Beyond the Casey review, we will also make sure that bi, trans and non-binary voices are heard. We are also keenly aware that cultural issues cannot be confined to compartments and many intersectional challenges need to be addressed. We will continue to work on hate crime, sexual violence and many other policing issues faced by the LGBT+ community.

    We will be facilitating a community engagement event in the near future for the MPS to listen to our community’s response to the Casey Review and also the MPS Turnaround Plan.

    Thursday, 23 March 2023

     

    Man convicted of murder in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery


    The trial for the murder of Ranjith ‘Roy’ Kankanamalage has concluded at the Old Bailey. A man, Erik Feld, was convicted of his murder at the Old Bailey earlier today. Sentencing will be at a later date.

    Ranjith was violently attacked by Feld in the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park in August 2021. This had caused major concerns among the local residents and the LGBT+ community. Feld was charged after his DNA was found under the murdered man’s fingernails. We have since learnt that Feld had an obsession with hammer attacks and videos of such violent assaults. During the trial, he had an outburst of homophobic slurs directed at the public gallery. This reinforces the perception among the LGBT+ people that this was a homophobic attack.

    Ranjith came to London to make a new life some time ago from Sri Lanka – a country where a legal sanctions and harsh prejudice against LGBTQ+ people still exists. Our condolences extend to his grown up children, his former husband and his wider family and friends. The violence he was subjected to was unconscionable, and we welcome the verdict.

    We worked closely with the local police and the homicide team to ensure that they incorporated learning arising from how the Met initially mishandled murders perpetrated by Stephen Port. At a time when trust and confidence is at an all time low, we will continue to provide robust independent advice to improve the police service delivered to LGBTQ+ Londoners in all our diversity.

    Saturday, 15 October 2022

     

    Cultural Challenges at the Metropolitan Police: LGBT+ community meeting

    The Metropolitan Police Service has come under a lot of scrutiny in the last year on their interaction with the diverse communities in London. This includes the handling of the murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor in East London. The IOPC investigation into police conduct continues.

    In addition, the MPS is also under review by the HMICFRS (statutory inspectorate of the emergency services). They also invited Baroness Louise Casey to conduct a review of cultural issues within the organisation.

    Commander Jonathan Savell will be attending to listen to your concerns and to answer questions.

    This event is organised by the LGBT+ Advisory Group to the Metropolitan Police. 

    This will be an in-person event. 

    Date: Tuesday 8th November, 6.30pm-8pm

    Please register on Eventbrite.

    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cultural-challenges-at-the-metropolitan-police-the-lgbt-perspective-tickets-432987436077

    Wednesday, 10 August 2022

     

    The LGBT+ Advisory Group would like to invite applications to join our group


    Our recruitment round is now closed. 




    We are a voluntary group of independent advisors to the Metropolitan Police. We have been working for over twenty years to make sure that they listen to community concerns and to provide advice on individual operations and on their strategic planning.

    More than ever, the police needs advice from the many communities in London that they serve. 
    We want to strengthen our own membership to reflect the diverse lived experiences of LGBT+ people in the city.

    We are seeking members who are keen to see better policing for our communities and are willing to work with us to advise the police on LGBT+ issues.

    If you are interested in joining the group, please send us a brief statement (no more than one side of A4) with your experience and how you think you can contribute. We can also meet up (in person or online) if you are curious about joining the group and would like to find out more.


    Wednesday, 22 June 2022

     

    IOPC announces re-opening of investigation into the MPS handling of the Barking & Dagenham murders

    The LGBT Advisory Group welcomes the IOPC decision to re-open their investigation into the MPS handling of these cases.
     
    We are continuing to make sure  community concerns are heard by the police, highlight shortcomings and push for improvements in the service offered to the LGBT+ community.
     
    We are working with the MPS to implement the recommendations of the IOPC and the coroner. We are pushing for resources for more proactive community engagement in the boroughs, more consistent access to independent advice throughout the MPS and most importantly a culture shift in all ranks of the MPS.
     
    We are also assisting in Baroness Casey’s review of the culture within the MPS and the HMIFRCS review.




    Wednesday, 15 June 2022

     

    IOPC announcement due soon on re-opening of investigation into the MPS handling of the Barking & Dagenham murders


    We have received an update from the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) regarding their investigation into the handling of the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. 

    They have been considering re-opening their investigation in the light of the coroner's inquest that completed last December.  They will be announcing their decision via their website on Thursday 23rd June.


    Friday, 1 April 2022

     

    IOPC close to decision on re-opening of investigation into the MPS handling of the Barking & Dagenham murders


    We have received an update from the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) regarding their investigation into the handling of the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. 

    They have been considering re-opening their investigation in the light of the coroner's inquest that completed last December.  The LGBT+ Advisory Group has written to the IOPC in support of further investigation if new evidence has emerged from the coroner's inquest. 

    The team has completed their initial assessment. The assessment report will be sent to the relevant decision makers by the end of this week. They expect a decision to be made by Monday 21st March. 

    Because of this possible extension to their investigation, the IOPC have not made public their learning report and recommendations on this case. 



    [Update/1 April 2022]

    We have been informed that the "Initial Assessment" is complete and concluded there is "potential significant new information and potential material flaws in the original IPCC investigation". The IOPC is moving on to the next phase of "Review". 

    A new team leader and lead investigator have been appointed. They will assess whether it is necessary to consult with affected parties. The new team will then report to the regional director for a "Final Decision".

    We were not given a timeframe for the conclusion of these final phases.

    Thursday, 10 February 2022

     

    IOPC update on the investigation into the MPS handling of the Barking & Dagenham murders

    The IOPC regional director for London, Sal Naseem, attended our community meeting on 24th January on the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. We asked him for an explanation of the process to decide whether to re-open the IOPC investigation into the MPS handling of the four murders. 

    We have received more details this week. [ Full letter ]

    The IOPC is aware that "some of the information coming to light was potentially new information". So, they have embarked on an "initial assessment" to see if there are "compelling reasons" to re-open the investigation. There are two criteria that must both be satisfied:

    The first criterion:

    (1a) There is significant new information that requires further investigation and a real possibility that the new information, had it been available, would have led wholly or partly to different decisions on discipline, performance and/or referral to the CPS;

    OR (1b) The original [IOPC] investigation was flawed in a manner which had a material impact on subsequent decisions on discipline, performance and/or referral to the CPS.

    The second criterion: 

    (2) It is necessary to require a reinvestigation in the public interest.

    They are at this "initial assessment" phase. They are unable to give a clear timescale for when this will be completed. 

    It is clear that the community is impatient for progress. The LGBT+ Advisory Group will continue to press them for updates.


    Wednesday, 2 February 2022

     

    IOPC finds discrimination, harassment and bullying at Charing Cross team

    IOPC has found discrimination, harassment and bullying involving officers predominantly based at Charing Cross Police Station. WhatApps messages were found to contain racist, misogynistic and homophobic comments. Officers were using `banter' to excuse unacceptable behaviour.

    Fourteen officers were investigated by the IOPC. 

    One officers was dismissed for gross misconduct. One other resigned before the end of the investigation. Four officers attended misconduct meetings where allegations of misconduct were proven against two officers. One received a written warning and one received no further action as they had already demonstrated performance improvements. Misconduct was not proven against the two other officers. Two officers were subject to unsatisfactory performance procedures. They attended a formal meeting to discuss their performance and appropriate action going forward. Two officers were subjected to reflective practice to improve their performance. The investigation found no case to answer for the remaining four officers.

    We are making it clear to the MPS, after the inquest into the Barking & Dagenham murders, this report further erodes the trust and confidence of the LGBT+ community in the Metropolitan Police. We are committed to working with the MPS to make sure lessons are learnt and actions are taken.

    More details at IOPC website: 

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/recommendations/thematic-learning-issued-address-cultural-concerns-nine-linked-investigations–

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/recommendations/operation-hotton-recommendations-metropolitan-police-service-september-2021

    Tuesday, 25 January 2022

     

    Barking & Dagenham murders: coroner publishes report

    The coroner's inquest into the circumstances and the police investigation of the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor concluded in December 2021. The jury have returned a verdict of unlawful deaths, raising many issues regarding the professionalism of the Metropolitan Police. 

    Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro QC has published her report on Action to Prevent Future Deaths (PFD report)

    The report gives a summary of the facts of the murder investigation and lists six Matters of Concern addressed to the Metropolitan Police, National Police Chiefs' Council, College of Policing and the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, covering

    • categorisation of suspicious, non-suspicious and unexplained deaths
    • interaction between specialist homicide investigators and local officers in determining ownership of investigation
    • leadership in responsibility over investigations of unexplained deaths
    • recording of investigation details on information systems
    • handwriting verification
    • need to verify identity of users of escort website
    Although the disciplinary action is not in the remit of the coroner's inquest, the coroner points out to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that the inquest has "exposed failings which were not identified by the IOPC in their investigation"

    She also commends the IOPC report to upcoming reviews of the Metropolitan Police as containing a "valuable analysis of how assumptions, stereotyping and unconscious bias may have detrimentally affected the decision-making in these investigations and contributed to the failure to identify Stephen Port as a perpetrator sooner".

    The LGBT+ Advisory Group is committed to working with the Metropolitan Police to address these concerns.

    Friday, 21 January 2022

     

    Murder in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery: New Arrest

    Update 21 January 2022


    A man has been arrested for the murder of Ranjith Kankanamalage in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery. He will remain in custody.

    We hope this marks the start of achieving some justice for Ranjith, although we appreciate this can never bring him back.

    We have worked closely together with the borough commander, the homicide team, Tower Hamlets council and the local community over the course of this investigation. 

    We will continue to work with the police to make sure that LGBT+ people are safe in Tower Hamlets and in all of London and. We will ensure that the ramifications of this horrific incident are fully explored.


    Monday, 17 January 2022

     

    Barking & Dagenham murders: community meeting

    The coroner's inquest into the circumstances and the police investigation of the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor concluded in December 2021. The jury have returned a verdict of unlawful deaths, raising many issues regarding the professionalism of the Metropolitan Police. The recent BBC docudrama, Four Lives, aired in January. 

    It is clear that there are strong feelings about the failures of the police in this investigation. We are organising a community meeting on 24th January.

    Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, Commander Jonathan Savell and the commander for the East Area, Paul Trevers, will be attending to listen to your concerns and to answer questions.

    This event is organised by the LGBT+ Advisory Group to the Metropolitan Police. 

    Following current Covid19 safety advice, this will be an online Zoom event.

    Date: Monday 24th January, 6pm-7.30pm

    This is online event on Zoom.

    Please register on Eventbrite.

    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-london-inquest-community-meeting-tickets-244595410457

    Saturday, 1 January 2022

    Join Us!

    We are going to launch a recruitment campaign in 2022.

    Tuesday, 23 November 2021

    Tuesday, 7 September 2021

    LGBT+ HATE CRIME STATS SUMMARY | JULY 2021 | PODCAST WITH SUBTITLES

    Hate incidents are incidents reported to the police but do not involve a criminal offence. Hate offences reported to the police are criminal offences which may also be a hate incident. Sanction detections are incidents or criminal offences "solved" or "actioned" in some way by the police.

    Thursday, 26 August 2021

     

    Murder in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery 

    Update 26 August 2021



    We are assisting the MPS in the murder of Ranjith Kankanamalage (also known as Roy) in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery.  
    We are making sure that LGBT+ issues are addressed in the investigation of this tragic death. We are also advising on the wider police response regarding safety in Tower Hamlets and the whole of London. 

    The police is treating this as a homophobic attack but remains open to other lines of inquiry.
    A man arrested on Friday 20th remains under investigation. The police has released an image of the victim and is urgently appealing for witnesses.

    Ranjith's body was found in the cemetery on the morning of August 16. The post mortem on Thursday concluded that the victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head.  The park remains closed for forensic investigation of the crime scene. 

    If you have any information, please contact the police, Crimestoppers or Galop. The investigation team is clear that they are only interested in information relevant to the case  and are not interested in any other activity in the park. The privacy of anyone coming forward with information will be respected.

    You can:
    Call the Incident Room direct on 0208 345 3865
    Call 101, or Tweet @MetCC quoting 1277/16. 
    Follow link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS21S81-PO1.
    Use Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111.
    Contact the LGBT+ charity Galop for third-party confidential reporting

    See also the MPS press release.





    Saturday, 21 August 2021

     

    Murder in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery

    We are assisting the MPS in the death of a man in Tower Hamlets Park Cemetery. 

    The victim was found dead in the cemetery on the morning of August 16. The post mortem on Thursday concluded that the victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head.  The police arrested  a man on Friday on suspicion of murder. The park remains closed for forensic investigation of the crime scene.

    The police is urgently appealing for information and witnesses. You can:
    Call the Incident Room direct on 0208 345 3865
    Call 101, or Tweet @MetCC quoting 1277/16. 
    Follow link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS21S81-PO1.
    Use Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111.
    Contact the LGBT charity Galop for third-party confidential reporting

    See also the MPS press release.

    We are making sure that LGBT+ issues are addressed in the murder investigation as well as the wider police response regarding safety for our community.  

    Although it is not yet clear whether this specific case was motivated by homophobia, this murder has taken place in the background of increased number of incidents in the vicinity of cruising grounds. We have been working with local police and local LGBT+ networks to improve policing and to encourage personal safety. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for this work.




    Friday, 13 August 2021

    Where to report LGBT+ Hate Crime and Other Hate Crime

     Community Alliance To Combat Hate (CATCH)
    CATCH is a group of charities working to end hate crime. They give specialist advice and help to people targeted with violence, abuse or harassment because of their race, religion, disability, sexuality or gender identity. CATCH is open to anyone experiencing hate in London. If you experienced a hate crime elsewhere, you can still get in touch.

    The partnership is commissioned by the Mayors Office Policing and Crime (MOPAC). CATCH is a way for people who have experienced hate to get the maximum amount of help with a minimum amount of hassle. The alliance is the first of its kind, bringing together community organisations from different hate crime strands. 

    Current partners:

    GALOP
    Galop provides advice and support to people who have experienced hate crime because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Hate crime can include verbal or written abuse, harassment and violence. Galop provides help to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people experiencing any type of abuse, so you can also get in touch if you have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, or any other safety problem.

    The Monitoring Group (TMG)
    An anti-racist charity that promotes civil rights. Provide a helpline and casework service to people experiencing racial violence, religious hatred, sexual violence and state neglect or misconduct. Leading exponent of family-led empowerment and justice campaigns in the UK. Some of these cases led to Public Judicial Inquiries and consequent changes in legislation, social policies and practices. Since the London Bombings, has worked with victim families of the carnage as well as Black Minority and Ethnic and Muslim groups and individuals affected by indiscriminate state-led policies in London, Midlands and the North.

    The Community Security Trust (CST)
    A Jewish charity that supports victims of antisemitism and records antisemitic hate incidents and hate crimes. CST received charitable status in 1994 and is a national organisation with full-time staff in London, Manchester and Leeds and a network of volunteers throughout the United Kingdom. Annual Antisemitic Incidents Report contains the only UK-wide statistics and analysis of antisemitic incidents and hate crimes. CST has extensive experience of advocacy and support for victims of antisemitic hate crime.

    TellMAMA
    Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks (MAMA) is a secure and reliable service that allows people from across England to report any form of Anti-Muslim abuse. You can do so via the Telephone, Email, SMS, Facebook or Twitter. Once they have your information secured, a trained caseworker will call to discuss the issue further and ensure they have all the details required to record the incident accurately, and offer support.

    Choice in Hackney
    Choice in Hackney supports people who have experienced disability hate crime, based on learning disability, mental health needs, physical disability and/or sensory impairment. They are a voluntary organisation, which provides Advocacy and Independent Living Services to disabled people in London. They support disabled people from all communities to obtain the services they need to live independently, with dignity and to make choices about their lifestyles.

    Stay Safe East
    Stay Safe East is a unique user-led organisation run by disabled people, providing specialist and holistic advocacy and support services to disabled people from diverse communities in London who are victims/survivors of domestic or sexual violence, hate crime, harassment and other forms of abuse.

    ​Real
    Real is a registered third party reporting centre, which means they have the skills and experience to assist you through the reporting process if you do not wish to report the crime directly to the police yourself. They will explain all the reporting options available to you, so you are in control of the choices you make. They can also refer you to Victim Support so you can receive the support you need to cope with emotional stress.

    Thursday, 29 July 2021

    Hate Crime Statistics | June 2021 | Audio | 1m 23s

    Hate incidents are incidents reported to the police but do not involve a criminal offence. Hate offences reported to the police are criminal offences which may also be a hate incident. Sanction detections are incidents or criminal offences "solved" or "actioned" in some way by the police.