Police-recorded hate crime reached a new high in England and Wales in the 12 months ending in March 2026, according to Home Office data. The total of 146,825 offences marked a 7% increase on the previous year.
Religiously motivated offences against Muslims showed the largest rise among the figures cited, increasing from 4,479 to 5,132 — a 15% rise. Antisemitic hate crimes increased by 10%, from 2,874 to 3,162.
The data underline continued pressure on policing and community safety policy, particularly where racial and religious hostility overlaps with threats, harassment and violence. The government’s principal Islamophobia partner has also said that attacks on mosques are becoming more severe.
The figures were reported by The Guardian, which cited the latest Home Office release. Recorded crime statistics reflect incidents reported to and logged by police, rather than all hate incidents that may occur.