Police urge victims to report hate crime as recorded offences increase

Warminster residents are being urged to report hate crimes after an increase in recorded offences in the town.

Wiltshire Police figures show that reported hate crimes in Warminster increased by 19.6% over the past year, with 55 recorded, up from 46 in the previous year.

The increase comes as the force supports National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of offences motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

Across Wiltshire, 1,038 hate crimes were recorded between October 2025 and September 2026, an increase of 6.2% compared with the previous 12 months.

The force recorded 302 hate crimes during July and August, with offences motivated by race accounting for the largest proportion of reports, followed by those targeting sexual orientation.

Wiltshire Police said the rise in reports during the summer could reflect a combination of heightened national tensions and greater public awareness and confidence in reporting these offences.

Chief Inspector Leighton Williams, the force’s hate crime lead, said, “Everyone has the right to live, work and go about their daily life without fear of being targeted because of who they are. Hate crime has no place in Wiltshire, and we take every report seriously.

“While the rise in reporting is concerning, it can also indicate that more people feel confident coming forward and that communities understand that this behaviour is unacceptable.

“By reporting incidents, you are helping us to build a clearer picture of what is happening in our communities, support victims and hold offenders to account. We will continue to work with our partners to challenge hate, protect those at risk and ensure offenders are dealt with appropriately.”

People can report hate crime to Wiltshire Police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, they should dial 999. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.