Between April, 2005, and March, 2006, 79 cases arising from “racist incidents” were brought compared with 56 in 2004/2005 and 31 in 2003/2004.
A majority of last year’s prosecutions were for public order offences and 82% of them resulted in conviction.
Other offences included harassment, assault and threatening phone calls.
The report shows that a high number of attacks were on takeaway or convenience store staff or customers and foreign students.
John Revell, Chief Crown Prosecutor said the number of prosecutions is up because more people are reporting racist crimes.
“Our figures show that when offences are reported they are taken seriously by everyone involved in the criminal justice system and offenders who pick on victims for racist reasons will be brought to justice for their actions”.
BC News
