Statement on hate crime incident in Hampstead

Camden Council Leader has reiterated that “Camden is – and must be - no place for hate” following an incident on Hampstead High Street on Saturday 2 November.

Camden Police received a report of criminal damage after paint was thrown over a business premises. The police have begun an investigation and the incident is being treated as a hate crime.

Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said: “This was an appalling incident that has caused distress and concern to many residents in the Jewish community and more widely. I fully support the police in treating it as a hate crime and we are working closely to support their investigation.

"We are also working alongside the Community Security Trust and other partners to support anyone affected by this hateful act of vandalism, as well as last week’s protest at the JW3 Community Centre and the disturbances at Swiss Cottage Library.

"Camden is – and must be – no place for hate and our priority will always be to keep our communities safe. While we support the right to protest, we will not tolerate intimidation, vandalism, or hate crime. We will work closely with the Metropolitan Police and Community Security Trust to ensure that the law is enforced. I will join local MP, Tulip Siddiq, to raise these concerns with Camden Police.

“Anyone with information relating to this incident is urged to contact the police by calling 101 and quote reference CAD 2368/02NOV24. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Practical, local action

Camden Council’s Community Safety team continues to work closely with the police to provide a visible presence in the borough and to support our faith communities. We will continue to work closely with the police and community partners, including our Faith Forum and religious leaders, to provide community reassurance and information, especially during heightened points of tension.

Keeping our communities safe

Camden is no place for hate. We have a shared responsibility to report hate we witness which could harm individuals and be divisive within our communities.

A criminal offence is one perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone.

Hate crimes can take many forms including physical assault, verbal abuse, harassment and damage to property.  Visit: www.camden.gov.uk/hate-crime to find out more.

To report a hate crime incident you should:

• Call the Police on 101
• Contact your local neighbourhood police for example by visiting your local station
• Report online via report-it.org.uk
• Report to one of Camden’s partners:

Read the full list of partners on our website.

In an emergency, always call 999 and follow the ‘run, hide, tell’ advice.