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23

Sept 2021

Last Updated: 23/09/2021
Crime
Crime

Police: no rise in far right activity in Harrogate district

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 23 Sept, 2021
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The Stray Ferret has reported three instances of swastikas appearing in Harrogate and Knaresborough in 2021. Racist stickers have also been put on shops.

nazi-swastika-graffiti-and-kbro-castle

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:

“These incidents are clearly abhorrent and disturbing. We can assure the local community that the police take such matters extremely seriously.
“It is unclear what the motivation was behind the recent incidents in Knaresborough, and it is not yet known if they are linked or have any connection with the previous incidents of this nature at Harrogate.
“However, there is nothing to suggest an increase in extreme right-wing ideologies or activity in the local area."





Read more:



  • Only 17% of Harrogate hate crime reports lead to charges

  • 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.