Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, says:

“This morning’s terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester is an appalling act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and their community, and all those affected by these horrific events on the holiest day in the Jewish Calendar – Yom Kippur. This is an attack not only on the Jewish community but on the values we all share.

“Here in Merton, police patrols have been stepped up and will be supported by our safer streets patrols. We will work with our Jewish community to ensure they are safe and supported during this difficult time.

“This is something we can only tackle together. I ask all residents: if you come across anything that spreads hateful ideology, please report it so the police or council can act. Extremism will not divide us. Our borough thrives because of its diversity, and we will always defend it.”

How to report a hate incident:
By reporting incidents, you help us to understand and respond to hate crime in the borough. Hate incidents can take many forms including: verbal abuse and harassment, graffiti, attacks or violence, damage to property or belongings (such as a car or home), threats and intimidation or offensive literature (such as letters, emails, leaflets and posters)

You can report an incident directly to the police, or through a third party.

Police
You can report incidents to the police directly:
• In an emergency call 999
• Report a crime on the Met Police website

Third party reporting centres
Third party reporting centres have been trained to assist you in submitting a report to the police, and can make such a report your behalf.

Stop Hate UK is a national organisation which works to challenge all forms of Hate Crime. The helpline is 24 hours, and they can also offer you support.
Phone: 0800 138 1625 / SMS: 07717 989 025

Victim Support
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity that provides support to victims of crime in England and Wales. Their services are free and available whether or not the crime has been reported.
Phone: 0808 1689 111

All libraries in Merton are third party reporting centres, full list of Merton’s reporting centres is available here.