Police urge people to report hate crime during awareness week

Greater Manchester Police is marking National Hate Crime Awareness Week (HCAW) by encouraging people to report incidents of hate crime.

Running this week (October 11 to 18), the nationwide initiative is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging schools, councils, and community organisations to take proactive steps in addressing hate crime and urging members of the public to report any incidents or concerns.  

Hate crimes can manifest in various ways, including physical attacks, property damage, intimidation, and harassment. These offences may be motivated by prejudice related to disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, and sexual orientation. 

Along with police partners across Greater Manchester, officers said they are committed to protecting communities.   

The force acknowledged that communities will have been rightly concerned due to recent events and would like to reassure them that they are here for them. 

During the awareness week, officers are out in communities and town centres speaking to members of the public to explain the different types of hate crime together with how communities can report this. 

Officers have also made 10,000 visits to all places of worship and have ensured that community leaders, worshippers, and wider members of the public feel able to speak to them about their concerns and report incidents. 

GMP force lead for hate crime Superintendent Mike Russell said: “This week is a chance for us to raise awareness about hate crime and reflect on how we can ensure everyone feels respected, safe, and included. 

“Within GMP, we know that hate crime is underreported, and we’d like to encourage our communities to report any incident or concerns they may have. Without reporting we cannot support victims, detect patterns, allocate resources, or bring offenders to justice. 

“While we are marking this awareness week by re-affirming our commitment to tackling hate crime, we are regularly reviewing and refreshing our policies and plans, to ensure we are best equipped and up to date when clamping down on criminality. No one should be fearful of stepping out of their front door or walking around where they live and work. 

“We also work closely with a range of community and voluntary groups, and partners, to ensure victims are supported and their voices heard. We are committed to ensure our communities feel safe and secure and can live without fear or intimidation.” 

To report a hate crime, call 101 or visit the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.  GMP’s website also contains advice on reporting hate crime and what forms it can take – the dedicated webpage on this can be found here - https://www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime/information/v1/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime/ 

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or on their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.