More than 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of antisemitic hate crimes, as part of a specialist operation by the UK’s Metropolitan Police.
This comes after the Met boosted the resources dedicated to investigating hate crime, so cases can we prioritised and investigated as quickly as possible.
The increased resource comes alongside more officers on patrol across London and is part of a wider operation focused on protecting key locations, detecting suspicious activity and disrupting those intent on causing communities harm.
Following last month’s arson attack in Golders Green, the Met is also meeting regularly with community leaders to share intelligence and act swiftly on any concerns.
Commander Andy Featherstone who is leading the operation said:
“Hate crime, of any kind, has no place in our communities and we take all reports incredibly seriously.
“We have significantly improved how we deal with these offences and solving twice as many hate crimes compared to last year.
“However, we know some people are reluctant to come forward, and I hope this provides reassurance to communities that their reports will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“We are determined that London remains a safe and inclusive city for all, and this operation is part of our continued effort to achieve that aim.”
Those charged through the operation include:
- Jean Charles Tavius, 26 (06.01.1990) of Hackney was charged with 11 counts of racially or religiously aggravated threatening behaviour, criminal damage and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage. An investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a man shouting antisemitic abuse and throwing a rock at the window of a moving car. Tavius was arrested on Tuesday, 24 March and has been remanded, next appearing at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 6 May.
- Munir Saleh, 29 (22.04.1996) of Tottenham was charged six counts of racially or religiously aggravated threatening behaviour, assault by beating and common assault. An investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a man shouting antisemitic abuse and spitting at people. Saleh was arrested on Sunday, 5 April and has been remanded, next appearing at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 7 May.
The original announcement can be found here.
