Police figures indicate an increase in hate crimes reported from Soho, home of London’s gay district.

The increase reflects a wider trend within the central London borough of Westminster. Statistics released by Scotland Yard suggest that hate crime prevalence in the area has grown by 26% in the last year, from 117 to 148 reported incidents.

Hate crime also appears to be on the rise in Harrow, which saw an increase of 125%, and Islington, where 60% more incidents were reported.

However, crime levels appear to be falling elsewhere across the capital. Hate crime fell by 0.1% and total crime by 0.5% overall in London.

“The MPS treats homophobically motivated crime very seriously and regards any form of hate crime as unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police.

“We are resolutely committed to tackling all forms and categories of hate crime and welcome victims coming forward so that we can work towards identifying and arresting perpetrators.”

Last month this commitment was questioned by LGBT activists following the arrest and alleged mistreatment of a number of “zombie flashmob” participants during the Royal Wedding.

[via Pink Paper]

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