Anti-Semitic crime has more than trebled in Barnet.

A total of 46 crimes targeting the Jewish community took place in the borough between April 1 and September 14, compared to 15 during the same period last year.

Barnet has seen the largest increase of any borough in London this year, accounting for more than a quarter of all anti-Semitic crimes in the capital.

Mike Freer, MP for Finchley and Golders Green, said: "Whenever there is conflict in the Middle East there is a jump in anti-Semitism. These figures are worrying as they seem to accompany anti-Semitic undertones on attempts to boycott Israeli goods, have kosher food removed from supermarkets and support for terrorist organisations at recent demonstrations.

“That is why I took a delegation of colleagues to see the Home Secretary Theresa May to discuss the issue. She agreed that the anti-Semitism witnessed is abhorrent, and confirmed new guidance has been issued to police forces to tackle it."

A total of 182 anti-Semitic crimes have been reported in London since April, compared with 69 offences last year.

Harassment constitutes for two-thirds of the crime figures. The majority of the remaining offences are for criminal damage, which has seen an increase to 31 crimes since April, compared with seven in 2013.

There has also been one anti-Semitic sexual offence reported, compared to none last year.

Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, said: “This increase in anti-Semitic crime in Barnet is shocking and unacceptable.

“I was encouraged that police patrols were stepped up in various parts of the borough to provide reassurance to the Jewish community. I will continue to highlight my concerns on this problem and urge the police to do all they can to prevent anti-Semitic crime.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We will take positive action to investigate all hate crime, support victims and their families and bring perpetrators to justice.

“If anyone feels that they are the victim of hate crime, including anti-Semitic abuse, we would urge all victims to come forward and report any incident or crime as soon as possible.”