New figures underline the importance of proportionate security, staff awareness and strong relationships with the communities being protected.
Home Office statistics published on 8 October 2026 recorded 146,825 hate crimes in England and Wales during the year ending March 2026, 7% more than the previous year.
Race-related hate crime increased by 9%, while religious hate crime rose by 13%. Within the religious category, offences targeting Muslims increased by 15% and those targeting Jewish people increased by 10%. The Home Office cautions that recording practices and reporting levels affect the data, but states that recent patterns may indicate a genuine increase.
Behind every statistic is a person, family or community whose sense of safety may have been damaged.
Security must reassure rather than isolate
Places of worship, cultural centres and community premises should remain welcoming environments.
Security measures must therefore be proportionate and sensitively delivered. A heavily confrontational presence can create anxiety, while inadequate arrangements may leave people feeling exposed.
The objective is to create confidence through visible preparedness, respectful communication and clear procedures.
Practical preparation makes a difference
Each premises should assess its particular risks, layout, operating hours and community concerns.
Measures may include:
- Controlled but welcoming access arrangements
- Good external lighting and maintained boundaries
- CCTV positioned for lawful and effective coverage
- Procedures for suspicious items and threatening communications
- Staff and volunteer awareness training
- Clear incident-reporting and evidence-preservation arrangements
- Emergency contact and lockdown information
- Safe arrival and departure arrangements during major gatherings
- Engagement with local police and neighbouring organisations
- Support for anyone affected by abuse or intimidation
Security plans should also consider protests, online threats, criminal damage and periods when the premises is unoccupied.
Every report matters
Hate crime is not limited to physical assault. It may involve threats, harassment, public-order offences, criminal damage or arson.
Victims and witnesses should be encouraged to record and report incidents. Even where an event appears minor, the information may reveal a wider pattern or help protect another site.
Security personnel must listen carefully, preserve evidence and avoid dismissing behaviour that has caused genuine fear.
Protecting people with professionalism and respect
Radius Security condemns hostility and violence directed at any person because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
The security industry has an important role, but protection cannot be delivered by security providers alone. It requires cooperation between communities, premises operators, police, councils and other local partners.
Good security does not spread alarm. It helps people understand the risks, prepares them to respond and allows community life to continue with confidence.
Everyone should be able to enter a place of worship, workplace, venue or community building without fear.
Protecting that freedom is part of protecting what matters. Speak to Radius Security about protecting your community premises.
