News from Navin Shah (past staff): Pledge to stamp out Hate Crime after attacks on Hindu Temple

The local police and Council have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling hate crime in Harrow in the wake of two attacks against the London Ayyppan Temple. This follows a meeting at the Temple yesterday, involving local London Assembly Member, Navin Shah AM, council officials, Temple trustees and members of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). Mr Shah has praised community leaders and the police for their pledge to “come together to stamp out religious and racial hatred”.

The first hate crime incident at the Temple occurred in July this year, when an image of the Hindu deity, Ayyppan, located at the entrance, was drenched in fuel and set alight. The second attack occurred four weeks later and involved the burning of the Temple’s banners at the front of the building.

Following the incidents, Mr Shah has been closely liaising with local councillors, community safety officers and the Borough Commander to determine how security measures could be improved.

During the meeting, the Temple trustees confirmed that they have submitted a bid to the Home Office for funding to install CCTV and lighting. The group also discussed what could more be done to reduce the blight of anti-social behaviour taking place outside the Temple.

According to the Metropolitan Police’s Hate Crime Dashboard, in the twelve months between November 2017 and October 2018, 316 racist and religious hate crime offences were recorded in Harrow.

At a London Assembly Police and Crime Plenary meeting earlier this month, Mr Shah raised the impact that hate crime incidents can have on entire communities, as well as on individual victims, with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick.

In response, the Commissioner reassured Mr Shah that the Met would continue to deploy dedicated staff to closely engage with any communities affected by hate crime and put extra patrols in place where necessary.

Local London Assembly Member, Navin Shah AM, said:

“In the wake of the Temple being subjected to two abominable attacks, it has been positive to see the local council, police force and community leaders come together to stamp out religious and racial hatred, and provide vital support to the Hindu community in Harrow.

“It’s also reassuring to hear that, on the back of the local council’s recommendation, the Temple has submitted a bid for funding to the Home Office to install enhanced security measures.

“As a result of today’s meeting, a stronger partnership has been established between the Temple, the police and Harrow Council. I have, of course, also pledged my ongoing support to the Temple and will continue to assist them on this matter and any other issues that might arise.”

ENDS