Police reveal number of COVID-19 hate crimes recorded in Hertfordshire

Each police force across the UK was asked to reveal details of hate crimes against Chinese people
By Holly Patel
Published 5th May 2020, 17:15 BST
Updated 5th May 2020, 17:16 BST

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Police forces across the UK have revealed the number of hate crimes against Chinese people during the coronavirus outbreak.

According to a report from Sky Newshate crimes against Chinese people have soared in recent months and police forces were asked to reveal details of the hate crimes against Chinese people.

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Hertfordshire Police said it could only provide data from May 2018 when a new IT system was introduced.

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The force said it recorded three hate crimes against Chinese victims in the first three months of 2020, along with nine in 2019 and three between May 2018 and December 2018.

The three offences in 2020 were racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress.

Figures revealed at least 267 offences were recorded across the UK between January and March during the COVID-19 crisis - including assaults, robberies, harassment and criminal damage - at a rate nearly three times that of the previous two years.

Victims described being punched, spat at and coughed on in the street as well as being verbally abused about coronavirus after the first case was reported in China.