FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST
Request Number:
F-2013-06112
Keyword:
Crime
Subject:
Racist Attacks and Incidents in 2013
Request and Answer:
Question
I would like to request information regarding the number of racially motivated crimes/incidents in
Northern Ireland to take place during 2013 so far.
Specifically with regards to: violent crimes, acts of vandalism, intimidation with a racist motivation,
and civil unrest.
Answer
This is to inform you that the Police Service of Northern Ireland has now completed its search for the
information you requested and the response is as follows.
Please see the tables at the end of this correspondence which relate to all racist motivated incidents
and crimes recorded by the police. The racist crimes are split by crime types published in the annual
statistical bulletin
Trends in Hate Motivated Incidents and Crimes in Northern Ireland 2004/05 to
2012/13.
To put the latest figures into context, the information provided relates to the requested period as well
as data back to 2004/05 already published in this bulletin. I have indicated in the response that
criminal damage offences could be used as an indication of ‘acts of vandalism’. In addition I have
indicated that civil unrest cannot be specifically identified, although less serious civil unrest could be
captured within the incidents figures, whereas more serious civil unrest could be captured under the’
other crimes against society’ crime category.
Further information can be accessed via the PSNI website using the link provided below.
http://www.psni.police.uk/directory/updates/updates_statistics/updates_domestic_and_hate_motivati
on_statistics.htm#domestic_trends_latest_bulletin
If you have any queries regarding your request or the decision please do not hesitate to contact me
on 028 9070 0164. When contacting the Freedom of Information Team, please quote the reference
number listed at the beginning of this letter.
If you are dissatisfied in any way with the handling of your request, you have the right to request a
review. You should do this as soon as possible or in any case within two months of the date of issue
of this letter. In the event that you require a review to be undertaken, you can do so by writing to the
Head of Freedom of Information, PSNI Headquarters, 65 Knock Road, Belfast, BT5 6LE or by
emailing xxx@xxxx.xxx.xxxxxx.xx.
If following an internal review, carried out by an independent decision maker, you were to remain
dissatisfied in any way with the handling of the request you may make a complaint, under Section 50
of the Freedom of Information Act, to the Information Commissioner’s Office and ask that they
investigate whether the PSNI has complied with the terms of the Freedom of Information Act. You
can write to the Information Commissioner at Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House,
Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF. In most circumstances the Information Commissioner
will not investigate a complaint unless an internal review procedure has been carried out, however
the Commissioner has the option to investigate the matter at his discretion.
Please be advised that PSNI replies under Freedom of Information may be released into the public
domain via our website @ www.psni.police.uk
Personal details in respect of your request have, where applicable, been removed to protect
confidentiality.
