Police are continuing to urge any victims of hate crime to come forward, stressing people should not have to put up with being targeted because of who they are.
Hate crimes and hate incidents have devastating impacts on individuals, families and communities and no one should be targeted for who they are.
Between 1st Aril 2021 and 31st March 2022 there have been 866 hate crime reported to police.
What is a hate crime?
Being targeted because of hostility or prejudice towards your disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
You can also be targeted for more than one characteristic or perceived characteristic.
Hate crimes can include but are not limited to:
• assault
• verbal abuse
• damage to property
• threatening behaviour
• robbery
• harassment
• online abuse.
Cumbria Constabularies Hate Crime lead Detective Chief Inspector Matt Scott said “There is absolutely no excuse for any form of hate crime, and it will not be tolerated in our county.
“We recognise that contacting and reporting incidents to us may feel daunting in what can be a distressing time.
“We want you to feel safe and comfortable when speaking to us, when you make a report, you will be contacted by an officer and support will be provided.
“If you do not feel you are able to contact us for any reason, you can talk to someone you trust to report on your behalf, or contact Victim Support, Cumbria Together or report a crime anonymously through the True Vision website.
“We take all incidents and crimes extremely seriously and know that this type of crime often goes unreported.
“It is important we continue to highlight the issue and make our communities aware and encourage reporting.
“If you are a victim or witness a hate crime or hate incident, please report it to us so we can take action against those committing this type of crime.”
“Support is also available for victims; you can visit Victim support for more information”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “We all want Cumbria to be a welcoming and safe place for everyone and any form of hate crime is wholly unacceptable.
“I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a hate crime to report it to the Police or seek help and advice from Victim Support if you do not wish to speak to the Police.
“Being targeted for your sexuality, religion, race, gender or disability is a very stressful and scary situation and the Police want to help.
“Everyone is welcome in Cumbria and together we can make the county a safer place.”
How to report a crime
You can report a crime in several ways:
• If it’s an emergency and the crime is taking place, call 999 and ask for the police.
• In an non-emergency, you can report online – Report a Non-Emergency Crime/Incident Online – Cumbria Constabulary, Report a Hate Crime – Cumbria Constabulary or speak to an officer via 101.
• You can go to your local police station.
• You can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you want to remain anonymous.
• If you’ve experienced hate crime, you can also report the incident online through True Vision
Support available
Victim Support
• https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
• If you want to speak to someone now, call our free 24/7 Supportline – 08 08 16 89 111 or start a live chat. In an emergency always call 999.
Stop Hate UK
• Stop Homophobic, Transphobic, Racial, Religious & Disability Hate Crime – https://www.report-it.org.uk/
• Helpline: 028 90 890 890
