Brexit has galvanised racists, and fuelled a surge of hate crimes in its wake, according to Gwent’s Police Crime Commissioner. ??Reporting of such crimes has gone up in the last year, with the vote to leave the European Union, and recent terror attacks on British soil, being taken as an excuse to attack minority groups, said Gwent’s PCC Jeff Cuthbert, last week.

“We have seen an increase in the reporting of hate crime in Gwent over the last year. We want people to have more confidence in reporting crimes of this nature.

“Some groups have undoubtedly used events such as the decision to leave the EU and recent terror attacks as an opportunity to spread their message of hatred, division and intolerance,” he said.

“Now, more than ever, is a time to show solidarity, defiance and cohesion in the face of division and hatred. I want Gwent to be a place where people can live, work and contribute to our communities without living in constant fear of experiencing hatred of any kind.”??The comments came as Gwent Police designated this week (Oct 14-21) as Hate Crime Awareness Week, asking the police and partners to ‘stand together against hatred and intolerance.’??Chief Superintendent Mark Warrender, said, “Gwent Police has a zero tolerance approach to hate crime: it can destroy lives; instil fear and break down the fabric of communities and neighbourhoods.”

Gwent Police encourage anyone who may have suffered a hate crime to contact them on 101.