It is National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2022 from 8th to 15th October and Wiltshire Police are running a series of public engagement opportunities around the county to remind people that there is No Place for Hate.
Today PCSO Andrew Maclachlan was at Swindon College to talk with students and staff.
Tomorrow, Andrew and colleagues from the Swindon Community will be at The Brunel Shopping Centre, Plaza Level opposite M&S, between 11am and 3.00pm to talk about the subject and listen to your concerns.
A Hate Crime is defined as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic.’
There are five centrally monitored strands of hate crime:
- race or ethnicity
- religion or beliefs
- sexual orientation
- disability
- transgender identity
Anyone can be a victim of a hate crime, the victim doesn’t have to be a member of a minority group or someone who is considered to be a vulnerable person. It can be committed against a person or property.
Figures released last week by the Home Office show that Hate Crime reporting has increased in Wiltshire and Swindon year on year: Home Office Hate Crime Statistics for Wiltshire 2021-22 Press Release.
Inspector James Williams said, “We have worked hard to encourage such reporting and officers and staff have also been building relationships with our communities that are most likely to fall victims of hate crime. However, we know the figures reported to us are unlikely to represent the true picture and we need to address the under reporting.
“If you are a victim of hate crime, please report it.”
To report a hate crime where there is threat to life or injury, call 999.
In a non-emergency situation, report it online or call 101.
