Say no to hate crime

Devon and Cornwall Police are supporting National Hate Crime awareness week and are appealing to victims of hate crime to come forward to the Police.

The week will highlight a variety of activities and events across the Force to raise awareness.

Hate crime is under reported generally and Officers want to encourage people to get in touch if they feel they are a victim of crime, even if there is no prosecution, so they can get appropriate support according to their needs. 

Hate crime is any crime where a person is targeted because of their gender identity, disability, race, religious beliefs or sexuality.

Detective Superintendent, Ken Lamont, said; “We will take people seriously when they report hate crime to the Police, no-one should have to live in fear or anxiety.  You do not have to suffer in silence.” 

“Hate Crime ruins people’s lives and it can often escalate to more serious crimes or tension in the community. Experience tells us that victims of Hate Crime are more likely to be a repeat victim of such crimes.”

“We need to safe-guard these victims for their future safety and I would urge people to report hate crime to us.  It doesn't just affect individuals it can have a major impact on whole communities.”

Events will be running across the region all week with partners to help highlight diversity and bullying issues and the damaging effects it can have on people’s lives.  

The charity initiative Local Heroes are taking their celebrities and role models out across the region throughout Hate Crime week delivering inspiring messages to school children.  Topics covered will include hate and mate crime and cyberbullying.

Local Heroes events in Devon and Cornwall:

12th October               Police HQ, Middlemoor, Exeter, Devon

13th October               Barnstaple, Devon

15th October               Plymouth, Devon

16th October               Newquay, Cornwall

5th November             Torquay, Devon

To report hate crime to the police contact 101 by email on 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk   If it is an emergency where life is threatened ring 999.

For online reporting visit True Vision Hate Crime Reporting Form 

http://www.stophateuk.org/hate-crime-awareness-week/ - Stop Hate UK

Further information on Hate Crime click here. 

Full details for the events taking place in Devon can be found here: http://www.devon.gov.uk/hcaw2015.pdf