A BRADFORD community figure is urging mosques and Muslim faith schools in the district to make use of new government funding aiming to reduce the risk of hate crime.

Safeguarding consultant Dr Javed Bashir has given his views on the Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme, launched last month.

The scheme pledged £24.5 million to try and crack down on hate crime.

According to government figures, Muslims continue to experience an increased threat of hate crime, with 45 per cent of religious hate crimes recorded by police in England and Wales in 2020/2021 targeted against them.

The scheme provides funding for protective security measures, such as CCTV and intruder alarms.

In addition, £3.5 million is also available for other faith communities through the Places of Worship Fund, which is open to all faiths, except the Jewish community - this is because a separate funding scheme is available to provide security measures at certain Jewish faith institutions.

Dr Bashir said: “Faith institutions should apply if they have experienced hate crime, or if they feel that their place of worship is vulnerable.

“If hate crime has happened at other sites in your community, you should also consider applying."

For more information, visit here.

If you require any assistance with filling or submitting your application, email javed@sfitogether.org.