Campaigners argue that they want to track down housed asylum seekers because of “the risk they pose to society”.
Residents in Worcester have clashed over the issue of housed asylum seekers (Image: Getty)
A “patriotic” campaign group in Worcester is on the hunt for migrants moved from a local hotel to HMOs, despite safety fears. Members of online community Patriots for Worcester have gone so far as to stake out properties in the West Midlands city in a bid to raise public awareness about “where these people are being put”. Meanwhile, a counter group, Worcestershire Against Hate, has warned that the search could compromise the safety of asylum seekers in the area.
“This behaviour amounts to vigilantism and has the potential to place innocent and vulnerable people at significant risk,” a spokesperson told Worcester News. “There is no legitimate reason for private individuals or groups to seek information about where approved asylum seekers are living.” But “patriot” group admin and local mum Carla Jane insisted her interests lie with keeping fellow residents well-informed. “I don’t want people bricking houses and things like that, but people have a right to know where the houses are and where these people are being put,” she said.
Protests broke out across the UK near asylum hotels this summer (Image: Getty)
Messages from Carla Jane shared in the Patriots for Worcester Facebook group suggest that she has been inundated by “addresses to check out” that could house asylum seekers.
“Don’t worry … we will find the houses even if it takes us months,” another post read. “Someone is always willing to give a backhander for information if all else fails. [We’ve] just got to find the weakest link.”
She told the city’s news outlet: “I stand by everything I have written. I’m trying to find out where they are living because they are a risk to our society; to our women and children. I want to know when it is safe for our kids to go out to play.”
A spokesperson for Worcestershire Against Hate said: “Those who have been provided accommodation have already undergone rigorous assessment and have been granted permission to remain here through the proper legal channels.
“They pose no threat to the community. The greater concern lies with groups engaging in targeted activities based on speculation, misinformation or bias.
“Vigilante actions frequently lead to serious mistakes. They rely on rumour and hearsay rather than verified facts, resulting in false accusations and the harassment of individuals who have done nothing wrong.”
West Mercia Police confirmed there has not yet been any police involvement in the matter.
It follows months of public discontent over the migrant crisis, including a spate of protests outside asylum seeker hotels this summer.
The Government has pledged to take drastic measures to tackle the growing number of small boat arrivals, which exceeded 39,000 in this year alone, but polling suggests much of the British public doesn’t think it is doing enough to manage the issue.
