Hate crime is being targeted in the Fens with a new campaign launched at Tesco in March to tie in with a national awareness raising drive.
Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite and Fenland District Council cabinet member Councillor David Oliver came together to help promote efforts to combat hate crime.
It aims to encourage everyone, including all local authorities, police services and voluntary organisations, to work together to raise awareness about the different ways to report hate crime and the support services that exist to help victims.
Cllr Oliver, chairman of the Fenland Community Safety partnership, said: “We know that too many hate crimes still go unreported. That’s why we all need to work together to ensure that anyone affected by it knows where and how they can report it and what support is available and that all perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Mr Ablewhite said: “I encourage victims and witnesses of hate crime to report incidents to the police without fear – you will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.
“Whether it is based on race, disability, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity - if it affects you, report it. As Police and Crime Commissioner I am committed to ensuring this crime is taken seriously and responded to.”
Fenland Chief Inspector Mike Hills said: “Protecting the vulnerable is the primary priority of the police. It is essential that the public feel confident that we take their reports seriously and do something about them.
“Hate crime in all its forms is unacceptable and we work closely with our partners to tackle it effectively and to protect individuals and communities from hostility, violence and bigotry.”
A stand at the Tesco superstore in March was manned as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, a national campaign organised by Stop Hate UK and the charity, 17-24-30.
A “hate crime” is any incident perceived as being motivated by prejudice or hate connected with the victim’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. It may include verbal abuse, physical assault, harassment and damage to property.
In July Fenland councillors passed unanimously a strongly worded motion condemning racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.
•To report any hate crime, call 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or visit www.report-it.org.uk/home.
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