Although the number of incidents motivated by racism has shown a slight decrease this year, the fact that such appalling and unjustified crimes are taking place at all in our society is a matter of concern.
The latest despicable display of racist attitudes took place at Inverary Community Centre in east Belfast early on Saturday morning.
A pig's head was placed against the shutters of the building while Nazi symbols and the phrases `No Muslims' and `No blacks' were sprayed onto walls.
It is disgusting that a facility that provides a valuable resource to the local community should be targeted in this way.
Attacking a community centre that offers a range of services to families, the elderly and young children is absolutely contemptible.
The racists who perpetrated what was a very determined hate crime also wanted to send out a deeply intimidatory message to people living in the community who happen to be Muslims or from a different ethnic background to themselves.
When this sort of hate-fuelled behaviour takes place it is incumbent on political representatives to show leadership and be forthright in their condemnation.
In this case, it is encouraging to see the firm stance from local councillors who sent out the message that this sort of criminal conduct is completely unacceptable.
DUP councillor George Dorrian said he was `angry and disappointed' at the actions of those trying to stir up hatred which he contrasted with the positive events taking place over the weekend in the area, including a celebration of Slovakian children's dancing.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time members of the Muslim community have been singled out for malign attention.
Last month a pig's head was left outside the Bangladesh Islamic Community Centre in Newtownards.
When the racists strike, it is important that people in the local community demonstrate their support for minority groups and their abhorrence of the attitudes that motivate the attackers.
It is also essential that anyone who has information about hate crimes comes forward to the police.
