A police operation tackling hate crime in the borough launched on Wednesday.

Operation Changing Perceptions, devised by Barnet Met officers PC Matt Rolfe and PCSO Michelle Davies, is a series of community events to educate people on tackling hate crime, supporting victims and bring those responsible to justice, and will partner with faith groups and charities.

This comes after a recent spate of hate crime across the globe, including the recent terrorist attacks in Barcelona, the rioting in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the rise in anti-Semitic attacks in Greater London over the course of 2017 reported by the Barnet Borough Times.

Faith leaders from all over the borough joined PC Rolfe and PCSO Davies to launch the operation in Golders Green, with the simple message: “regardless of faith, we stand shoulder to shoulder to stand up to hate crime.”

PC Rolfe said: “I want to say a big thank you to the Mayor, the Mayoress, the Lieutenant of Barnet and all of the faith leaders who showed their support for this event.

“It was a long time in planning but thoroughly worthwhile.

“It is hoped the events will educate the general public about what a hate crime is, how to report it, and where to go for help and assistance.

“By working together with the community we hope to change perceptions about hate crime, and reduce offences.”

Call 101 to report hate crime, or 999 in an emergency.