Race crime rises in Wales

Friday, 29 July 2005 12:00 AM

The number of racial incidents in Wales has increased significantly since the July 7th London bombings, police have confirmed.

New figures suggest fears of increased community tensions in the wake of the attacks, and the failed bombings last week, were not unfounded.

A total of 64 cases were reported in North Wales between July 7th and July 28th compared to 20 in the same period last year.

Elsewhere, Gwent police has dealt with 49 cases, up from 30 in 2004, and Dyfed-Powys has had 17 incidents, up from 12.

Gwent chief constable Mike Tonge admitted that a rise in tensions in the region has been evident since the bombings and, although most incidents were restricted to verbal abuse, this was still unacceptable.

"Since July 7th and 21st, people have become very concerned and their stereotyping of the Muslim community has risen," he said

"That's understandable but we can't afford to tolerate it because ultimately the terrorists will win if we start to blame law-abiding people."

Naz Malik, of the All Wales Ethnic Minority Association, said the finding "poses some huge challenges for the police authorities and us in the communities".

He added: "It's reassuring that police are urging people to report even verbal abuse because if that can be tackled it will safeguard us from violent attacks."

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