Hate Crime shouldn’t be tolerated in our communities

This week, from Saturday 9 October to Saturday 16 October, marks Hate Crime Awareness Week. Hate crime is typically under-reported in Cheshire, and Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer is using this week of awareness to encourage people to come forward if they experience it.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Hate crime is an abhorrent crime that breeds further hatred, with offenders targeting victims simply because of who they are.

“I was disappointed to hear last month from residents in Cheshire who attended Disability Awareness Day in Warrington that 43% of people had experienced hate crime or discrimination. This shouldn’t be tolerated in our communities and I am committed to doing all I can to help provide support to those who have fallen victim to hate crime.”

If people don’t have the confidence to talk to the police, there are alternative ways to report incidents. These include a network of third-party reporting centres across the county, hosted by charities and public venues. In the last year, there has been a 20% increase in the number of hate crimes reported in Cheshire.

John Dwyer added: “It’s positive that people increasingly have the confidence to come forward and report hate crime. However, I believe we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

“I’d encourage anyone who has experienced hate crime to come forward and speak out, whether that’s directly to the police or in a way that makes them feel more comfortable. Working together we can help to tackle and reduce hate crime in our communities.”

What is a hate crime?

Hate crime involves any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic. Hate crime can be motivated by:

• Disability
• Race
• Religion or faith
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Transgender identity

Where can I report an incident of hate crime?

There are multiple places you can report an incident of hate crime. These include:

Cheshire Police

• Report online at www.cheshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime
• Call 101, or in an emergency dial 999

Third Party Reporting Centres

• Cheshire East
• Cheshire West and Chester
• Halton
• Warrington

True Vision

• www.report-it.org.uk