Hateful Anger and concern as racist notes left in streets
ACHELTENHAM resident has spoken of their anger following repeated incidents of finding racist and xenophobic notes littering their neighbourhood.
Mehdi Ali, 26, started finding the notes “approximately three to four months ago” near St James Car Park in Cheltenham town centre and has been left shocked at their contents.
The notes are found on the floor and stuck to walls, bins and lampposts, They include phrases so shocking and offensive that the Echo is unable to share them, even in an edited form.
Mr Ali said that the incidents were making him concerned for the welfare of Muslims and migrants in the area.
He said: “I am angry and upset that this is happening right where we live. It’s disheartening and sad.”
When asked why he thought it was happening, Mr Ali said: “A combination of factors – the current state of our socio-political climate has enabled racist and hateful behaviours to only grow in our communities.
“These people feel empowered and justified because our Government are the ones pushing this poisonous rhetoric about the ‘danger’ of migrants. Our area has a fair amount of people of colour and diverse families and businesses, which is also why I think it’s happening here.”
He feels that anti-hate crime posters could be put up in the alleyway to deter the perpetrators, as well as more CCTV and CCTV signage.
Inspector Mike Yates, of Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Officers have been made aware of these notes and are conducting patrols in the area to make further enquiries. We would encourage anybody who experiences hate crime to report it either through the constabulary website or on 101.
“We have a dedicated county-wide partnership who work together to ensure we drive out hate. We are proud of the diverse county we live and work in, and people should be able to go about their normal day-to-day lives without having to live in fear of being singled out and targeted for who they are.
“Hate crimes not only have a detrimental impact on the victim, but can also have a wider impact on our local communities.”
Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for safety and communities for Cheltenham Borough Council said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of this inappropriate and offensive incident that has happened in our town.
“Hate crime is not acceptable in any shape or form and we would encourage anyone experiencing this to report this via the national police scheme,
known as True Vision, online or call 101.
“If you feel the incident is an emergency as things could get heated, violent or you’re worried someone is in immediate danger and in need of support right away please call 999.
“More advice on how to report a hate crime can also be found on the Gloucestershire Constabulary website.”
If you have been affected by crime, you can contact the local victim care team in Gloucestershire on 0808 281 0112 or you can contact them online at www.victimsupport.org.uk
I am angry and upset that this is happening right where we live... it’s sad Mehdi Ali