Seven arrested over hate crimes (From News Shopper)

Seven arrested over hate crimes

3:56pm Thursday 22nd May 2008 in

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SEVEN people were arrested in Bromley yesterday (May 21) on suspicion of domestic, race and homophobic hate crimes.

Operation Athena saw officers raid addresses across the borough.

Of the seven people arrested, five have been bailed pending further investigation until various dates in July.

One has received an adult caution and one has received a youth reprimand.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smart, of Bromley CID, said: "This action should act as a reminder to those individuals who often commit these crimes with a sense of impunity that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Domestic violence continues to be one of the highest volume crimes in London."

In the 12 months up to March there were 1,780 domestic violence cases reported in Bromley.

Meanwhile, there were 334 racist and 35 homophobic offences during the same period.

Operation Athena began in 2000 in an attempt to curb domestic violence and race hate crimes.