A man has accused police of failing to help him after he reported being subjected to repeated antisemitic abuse and threats.
Thomas Godwin, who lives in Tavistock, Devon, said he reported numerous hate crimes against him since last July but the police “failed to act against the antisocial behaviour” which left him feeling “scared and frightened”.
Mr Godwin said since reporting regular antisocial behaviour from hlocals, the abuse has taken a more “insidious” turn with him being taunted about “pork sausages cooked in gas ovens.”
He said when he reported this to Devon and Cornwall Police, he was told to “mediate” with his abusers which left him feeling “intimidated and unsafe”.
The force said all parties had been spoken to and mediation had been offered as a resolution.
But Mr Godwin, who works for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Plymouth, said he was not satisfied with their response.
“I reported three hate crimes in July 2018 not related to antismitism and numerous incidents of antisocial behaviour. It took a ugly turn in October when I received a letter to my work which called me ‘Jew scum’," he told the JC.
He said his abusers were able to identify him as Jewish but the mezuzah on his door.
“There are not that many Jewish people here. I live in a small rural community and they know exactly what they are doing and saying.
"The fact that people can get away with sending a letter like that and harassing you in 2019 is disgusting. Jewish people know where that ends up."
Mr Godwin said police told him he should “move house as if it was my problem.”
Stephen Silverman, the Campaign Against Antisemitism's director of investigations and enforcement, called the police's attitude “very worrying.”
He said that officers "seemed to have taken a stance that is just not serious enough in respect of this crime".
Mr Godwin, who made complaints to both the police and West Devon Borough Council, has complained about both of them for how they handled his case.
Here is a racist death threat sent to my workplace in #Plymouth last October, the same day similar comments were made outside my house at me.
— Thomas Godwin (@Tom_Godwin) April 3, 2019
This thread is about my 8 months of abuse and the Police and Councils inaction.
Please share and RT#BeLouder #hatecrime #antisemitism pic.twitter.com/gTWjDtlz7d
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "All parties involved have been spoken to and offered mediation as a possible resolution.
"We will continue to engage with and support those involved and will continue to work to find a resolution to this ongoing matter.”
A spokeswoman from West Devon Borough Council said the council was working closely with the police and the community safety team.
Mr Godwin, who lives with his mother, said his house has become a “fortress due to the threats and taunting. My mum is scared to go to our outhouse unless I am at home”.
He added: “If it wasn’t for the support of Jewish organisations like the CAA and CST I’d feel completely alone. It is like no one cares about what you’re going though unless you are Jewish and they understand.”
