POLICE are failing to identify a suspect in one in three cases of racist and religious hate crimes, figures show.

Studies carried out on Home Office data show that racially and religiously aggravated crime investigations are wound up without an arrest or prosecution.

In Sussex, 31 per cent of cases are deemed “complete, no suspect identified”.

It has prompted anti-racism campaigners to describe the figures as “disappointing”, leaving victims feeling there is no point in reporting crime to the police.

Their fears follow a new high in the total number of hate crimes, with more than 57,000 recorded in England and Wales last year.

But police chiefs say the figures also show that more and more cases are being reported and victims are placing their trust in the force to investigate.

A force spokesman for Sussex said: “We are working hard to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how people can report it, and to build confidence in victims to come forward.

“Hate crimes and incidents nationally are under-

reported so we are encouraged that reporting in Sussex is increasing, as it is across the country.

“We have clear reporting and flagging procedures and have led activity regionally and we contribute to national discussion in this area.

“Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, has actively supported work to address hate crime.

“While we acknowledge that positive outcomes for hate crime are generally low, nationally Sussex figures highly among other forces in achieving successful outcomes for hate crime cases reaching court.”

Victim Support chief officer Diana Fawcett said hate crimes can leave victims suffering both physically and emotionally.

She said: “The fact that such a large number of these cases are being closed with no suspect identified threatens to further undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system when it comes to reporting racially and religiously motivated hate crime.”

Her concerns were echoed by Equality and Human Rights Commission chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath.

She said: “Attacking or harassing people is unacceptable in today’s society and it is shameful when carried out because of their identity.

“Police forces must collect accurate and comprehensive data so they can develop effective solutions to end hate crime in our society.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for hate crime.

He said: “Unfortunately, with many cases, there are often no witnesses to these crimes and scarce evidence – this may lead to police being unable to identify a suspect.

“The police has no tolerance for this type of abuse but we need to be made aware that crimes are taking place so that we can investigate or. better still, prevent them from happening.”

Have you been the victim of a racist or religious hate crime?

Share your experience by calling 01273 021383 or email aidan.barlow@theargus.co.uk.