Hate Crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender’s hatred of someone because of their:

• Race, colour, ethnic origin, or nationality;
• Religion;
• Gender;
• Age;
• Sexual orientation; or
• Disability.

Our definition of a hate crime

Any hate incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

Examples of hate incidents include:

• Verbal abuse;
• Threatening behaviour;
• Name calling;
• Offensive mail;
• Offensive phone calls;
• Offensive text messages;
• Physical assault;
• Robbery;
• Harassment;
• Intimidation;
• Vandalism;
• Rape;
• Domestic Violence;
• Arson;
• Theft;
• Graffiti;
• Damage; or
• Sexual assault.

Many incidents can be obvious, but others may be more hidden, such as overhearing a remark.

It does not matter how obvious or how hidden an incident may be.  If you feel that you have been the victim of a hate incident, then please report it to us.

Reporting a hate crime

It is important that all hate crimes and incidents are reported, whether you are a victim or a witness.  You can report hate crime the following ways:

• In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the police;
• In a non emergency, you can always contact the police on 01522 532222;
• Online through the link below

You can pick up a self-reporting pack or submit a report at any police station, library, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or District Council offices