Wiltshire Police urges victims to report hate crime as offences increase

Wiltshire Police is supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week by encouraging victims and witnesses to report incidents, as new figures show hate crime reports have increased across the county over the past year.

Between October 2025 and September 2026, Wiltshire Police recorded 1,038 hate crimes, a 6.2% increase from the previous 12 months, or 61 additional offences.

The force saw particularly high reporting levels in July and August 2026, when it recorded 302 hate crimes. During this period, offences motivated by race accounted for the highest proportion of reports, followed by crimes targeting sexual orientation.

The rise mirrors national trends, where increases have also been recorded in race-related and sexual orientation-related hate crime. Wiltshire Police believes the increase in reports during the summer months reflects heightened national tensions and greater public awareness and confidence in reporting these offences.

Increases in reported hate crime were seen in a number of areas, including Swindon, Salisbury, Devizes and Warminster. While overall reports increased across both Swindon and the county, some areas, including Royal Wootton Bassett, Amesbury, Chippenham and Trowbridge, recorded year-on-year reductions.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from October 10 to October 17, aims to raise awareness of offences motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability, while encouraging more victims and witnesses to come forward.

Wiltshire Police continues to work closely with partner organisations and community groups to support victims, build trust and encourage reporting.

Chief Inspector Leighton Williams, Hate Crime Lead for Wiltshire Police, said, "Everyone has the right to live, work and go about their daily life without fear of being targeted because of who they are. Hate crime has no place in Wiltshire, and we take every report seriously.

"While the rise in reporting is concerning, it can also indicate that more people feel confident coming forward and that communities understand that this behaviour is unacceptable.

"Behind every report is a person who may have been left frightened, distressed or traumatised by what happened to them. The impact of hate crime can be significant and long-lasting, affecting victims, their families and the wider community.

"National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind people that support is available and that we want to hear from anyone who has experienced or witnessed hate crime.

"By reporting incidents, you are helping us to build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, support victims and hold offenders to account. We will continue to work with our partners to challenge hate, protect those at risk and ensure offenders are dealt with appropriately."