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23
Sept 2021
Police: no rise in far right activity in Harrogate district
North Yorkshire Police has said there is nothing to suggest an increase in far right activity in the Harrogate district despite several shocking incidents this year.
The Stray Ferret has reported three instances of swastikas and anti-semitic slogans appearing in Harrogate and Knaresborough in 2021, including one last weekend.
In addition, racist stickers appeared on the window of a disused shop on James Street in September.
A Freedom of Information request to the police revealed it had logged just five incidents of anti-Jewish hate crime in total in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
So far this year swastikas have appeared on Trefoil Drive and Bilton Lane in January, on the iron bridge in Bilton in August and on Knaresborough castle last weekend.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
Read more:
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- Bilton residents voice frustration over crime at public meeting
The constabulary urged residents to report hate-related incidents, such as graffiti and criminal damage, by dialling 101.
The Stray Ferret approached the Harrogate Hebrew congregation to ask if it had noticed any increase in ant-semitic activity but it declined to comment.
The swastikas and a vile anti-semitic message sprayed on Knaresborough castle last weekend have now been removed.
Police said a 49-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attacks in January and remains under investigation.
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