Stop Hate Crime – Report Hate Crime
Hate crime is vicious and causes great harm. It causes physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Any crime can be prosecuted as a hate crime if the offender has demonstrated hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.
I am committed to a zero-tolerance approach to all hate crime wherever or whenever it raises its ugly head and whoever is affected. I expect the Bedfordshire Police Service to do the same, and it does.
Most reported hate crimes relate to race or religious hatred. However, all forms of hate crime are heinous, and offenders deserve serious consequences for their behaviour.
Hate crime is increasing nationally and whilst this is disturbing it may not be too surprising given the vile hatred that far right populist groups and even some so called “mainstream” politicians are spouting and promoting.
Free speech is important, but hatred and provocation are unacceptable. The law on this must always be enforced without favour in an objective manner.
No one is above the law.
I am pleased that the government is introducing a new definition of Islamophobia and will underpin this with legislation. Islamophobia is on the increase and is causing great anxiety and concern across the county. We must call this out and challenge it every time, and more importantly challenge those who are being Islamophobic just as we must those who are antisemitic.
Police protection has been enhanced at places of worship, to provide reassurance for communities. However, we need to do more. We need to educate and address the causes of all hate crime. We must stop hate. We must report hate crime so that the police can tackle it.
Often victims and observers of hate crime are for several reasons not willing to report hate crime directly to the police. Whilst understandable it is unfortunate.
To make reporting hate crime easier as PCC, I have introduced and funded Stop Hate, a third-party reporting facility.
Stop Hate will listen to you, believe you, and give you confidential and independent support throughout the process. Stop Hate will log the details of the incident just as you describe it for recording purposes. The details will not be shared without your consent, including with the police unless that is what you wish to do.
You can report a Hate Crime to Stop Hate by calling 0800 138 1625, and it is available 24 hours a day. You can also email [email protected].