What Hate Crime really looks like in 2026
This year's campaign highlights the importance of tackling race hate crime, including hostility towards asylum seekers and refugees. However, all forms of hate are unacceptable, and we all have a part to play in challenging prejudice.
What is hate crime?
Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:
- disability
- race or ethnicity
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
- transgender identity
This can be committed against a person or property. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
Latest Hate Crime statistics
The latest statistics across England and Wales highlight why it is important that we continue to recognise and challenge hate in our communities:
- 146,825 hate crimes were recorded by police across England and Wales in the year ending March 2026, a 7% increase on the previous year
- 74% were race-related, making race the most commonly recorded hate crime motivation
- 176,000 incidents a year were estimated through the Crime Survey for England and Wales, demonstrating that police figures do not capture the full picture
- 39% of hate crime victims said the incident affected them “very much” emotionally, compared with 14% of crime victims overall
What should I do if I witness or experience a hate crime?
In an emergency you should call the police by dialling 999, dial 101 if it is not an emergency.
If you don't want to speak to the police then you could contact us:
- email trust@peaksplains.org
- call 0800 012 1311
- use contact form
Reporting makes a difference to you, your neighbours, and your life
Hate crimes and incidents hurt, they can be confusing and frightening.
By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to others.
You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.