Antisemitic offences in London have risen by 25% in the 12 months to the end of July, according to figures on the Metropolitan Police's website. A total of 1,379 antisemitic offences were reported during this period.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes stated that antisemitism in London is at a two-year high, with the force receiving "three to four reports" of antisemitic hate crime daily. These reports range from antisemitic slurs being shouted from cars to harassment in the streets.
The past year has seen a series of antisemitic attacks in the capital, including arson attacks targeting Jewish people and property, and the stabbing of two Orthodox Jewish men in Golders Green in April. The national terror threat level was raised from substantial to severe for the first time in over four years following these incidents.
In July, the government announced £86m in funding for the Met to recruit additional officers. This funding aims to increase police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods, around synagogues, schools, and community centres. Deputy Commissioner Jukes said this would enable the force to build three teams across London, comprising more than 250 officers.
The Met currently has 36 dedicated officers based in north-west London and Stamford Hill. Deputy Commissioner Jukes emphasised the importance of the new community protection teams' partnership with the Community Security Trust and the volunteer Jewish civilian patrol group Shomrim.