Police launch campaign to stamp out hate crime

CHESHIRE police kicked off its county-wide bid to tackle hate crime in Runcorn this week as part of a regional campaign.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Moira McLaughlin hosted the event at Shopping City, where she was joined by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) and ethnic minority groups.

The week’s aim is to educate residents about what hate crime is, to report it to the police or third-party reporting centres and highlight the support services available to victims and witnesses, details of which can be found on the constabulary’s website and are for anyone wary of speaking to the police. These include True Vision. Nick Bailey, Cheshire’s Acting Assistant Chief Constable, said: “Everyone in Cheshire should feel free to be themselves.

“No-one should face violence, abuse or hated just because of who they are, who they love, where they are from, what they look like or what they believe.

“Being targeted because of your race, gender identity, religion or faith, sexual orientation or disability is a hate crime and we are determined to do all we can to stop all forms of hate crime.”

David Keane, Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner, said: “Hate crime is an ongoing and emerging issue, both nationally and in Cheshire, that is currently under-reported in the local area.

“I am committed to providing funding to commission services that provide the necessary support to victims to encourage them to report these issues to ensure they are investigated properly.”

Inspector David Gordon, Cheshire Constabulary’s hate crime lead, said: “The public will be aware that hate crime reports increased nationally last year, but some parts of the Cheshire community are still not reporting incidents.

“Third party reporting centres are community service allies that help us ensure that as many of the incidents of hate crime that take place in Cheshire are reported to us as possible.

“We will not stand for hate crime and have strict protocols to ensure that every incident is dealt with, with the victim firmly in mind.

“Every victim is directed to Cheshire Cares, an enhanced service offering free emotional and practical support to help victims cope and recover from the impact of crime.”

Report hate crime to Cheshire police by calling 101 or in an emergency 999.

Alternatively, those not comfortable about speaking to the police can report it the True Vision website at www.report-it.org.uk/home or at a third party reporting centre.