“PEOPLE are scared to go about their daily lives for fear of being attacked in the street. This is not acceptable.”
Community leaders across Somerset have united in a bid to tackle a spate of hate crimes – and reassure people.
Somerset Council leader Bill Revans is among those to have spoken out after several attacks on faith buildings in the county.
On the morning of Saturday, September 6, windows were smashed at a mosque in Tower Lane, Taunton, which came after worshippers at a Portuguese Bridgwater church were shocked as vandals smashed windows during a service on Sunday, August 31.
Now, Cllr Revans has moved to reassure communities amid the spate of incidents.
“On behalf of Somerset Council and our residents, I must strongly condemn the worrying incidents you have referenced,” he said.
“Hate has no home in Somerset and criminal acts like these aimed to intimidate others must not be tolerated.
“We must stand together to oppose the small minority who seek to intimidate or divide us.”
READ MORE: Worshippers were inside when windows at Bridgwater church were smashed
READ MORE: Appeal after vandals damage Taunton mosque
The council is working with the police and community groups to identify where tensions are rising, he said, as well as looking to increase understanding, and to challenge misinformation.
“Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. By recognising and embracing our differences, we lay the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities – ensuring Somerset remains a place where everyone belongs,” the leader added.
This week, Cllr Revans also co-signed an open letter to residents of Avon and Somerset alongside Clare Moody, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other council leaders from the policing area: Councillor Kevin Guy – Bath and North East Somerset Council, Cllr Tony Dyer – Bristol City Council, Cllr Mike Bell – North Somerset Council, and Cllr Maggie Tyrrell and co-leader, Cllr Ian Boulton – South Glos Council.
The letter sought to reassure residents that councils are working with police to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.
It also referenced a minority “misusing national flags or symbols to intimidate or exclude”.
It said: “We know that hateful rhetoric is intended to divide our communities and pit neighbours against each-other, but we also know that in Avon and Somerset, we are inclusive and determined that hate will not win.
“Most people in our area treat each other with fairness and respect.
“Yet, we cannot ignore that a small minority seek to divide us, sometimes misusing national flags or symbols to intimidate or exclude.
“The Union Flag, the St George’s Cross, and other national symbols should be a source of pride for everyone, representing the diversity and shared values that are central to who we are as a community.
“We refuse to surrender these symbols to those who use them to spread fear, violence, or division.
A Union Flag suspended from a crane flies over the A303 in Somerset. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller
“True Britishness is found in everyday acts of kindness and service by those volunteering in our communities, supporting the vulnerable, and helping neighbours in need. It is communities pulling together in a crisis.
“True Britishness is making a cup of tea for someone who has broken down on the road while they wait for a tow; celebrating with a stranger at the football when a goal goes in; it’s taking time to care for your local park with fellow volunteers at the weekend or checking in on an elderly neighbour.
“We are committed to working together to ensure everyone feels safe and supported. We are investing in neighbourhood policing, supporting community groups, and encouraging everyone to report hate crime.”
It added: “Our message is clear: we are united against hate. Together, we will ensure Avon and Somerset remains a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from hate.”
READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller
Meanwhile, a message from Chief Constable Sarah Crew, Avon & Somerset Police vowed to “keep people safe”, referencing disorder last summer in the wake of the Southport attacks.
“Policing is not separate from society; we are part of it. Our duty is clear: to prevent crime, to maintain order, and above all, to keep people safe. That mission has never mattered more than it does right now,” the chief said.
“Our response to the disorder of summer 2024 was unambiguous and emphatic, as were the outcomes. We were united in standing up to those who cynically used the tragic murder of children to divide our communities and behave violently on our streets. Communities who have long felt over policed and under protected by us told me they felt seen, heard and reassured.
“A year later the narrative is the same, and yet, different. We recognise and welcome the joint statement from our Police and Crime Commissioner and our local political leaders.
“Meanwhile, your police service must navigate through this, remaining impartial but ensuring we stay connected to our values of Inclusion, Courage and Care.
“In such times we must listen to all our communities. There remains a deep sense of fear in some, especially our racially minoritised communities, who are telling me their anxiety is worsening.
“We will be robust and relentless in bringing to justice those who perpetrate crimes motivated by hate.
“Everyone expects and deserves to feel safe and secure where they live.
Vandals smashed windows at Bridgwater Baptist Church as a service was taking place. Picture: Google
“There is also a deep sense of anger and powerlessness in other communities. People who feel left behind, marginalised and misunderstood. Who feel that those in power or authority don’t seem to care about their lives. They must be allowed to voice their views within the law and with respect.
“It’s our job to ensure we keep all communities safe; we deal with all incidents of hate crime robustly and we’re visible to those who are feeling scared. It is also our responsibility to enable lawful protest; to uphold the fundamental rights we cherish – freedom of conscience, expression, and association, but in a way that respects and does not intimidate others.
“This moment calls for courage and empathy: from us as a police service, and from all of us as communities. We will act firmly against hate and violence, and we will protect the right to speak out lawfully and respectfully. But safety cannot be delivered by police alone. It is built together, through trust, respect, and shared responsibility.
“So, I ask everyone: Stand against hate, stand up for each other, and stand for the kind of society where everyone, without exception can feel safe, secure and free.”
For more details of hate crimes – and how to report them – visit avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/hate-crime.
And for details of support available to victims of hate crime, see avonandsomerset.police.uk/victims-witnesses-and-offenders/support-for-victims-of-hate-crime.
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Are these incidents “hate crime” or are they the 21st century version of Anti-social Behaviour?
From where I sit (the former Souith Somerset DC area) I’d prefer to see ALL crime and ASB treated the same way – HARD.
No more pretty colour schemes or fancy lanyards, just good old-fashioned policing *without fear or favour*.
If a white Chrstian born in Yeovil commits a crime – prosecute, if an immigrant living in Yeovil commits a crime – prosecute, with the same sentencing guideline.