Centres tackle hate crime

Jun 6 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE is tackling hate crime with the launch of a number of multi-agency reporting centres across the county.

Hate crime is defined as targeting someone not only because of colour, but also because of disability, religion or sexuality.

The hope is that by setting up specialised reporting centres around the county, victims will know there is somewhere they can go.

Located within support groups, citizens advice bureaux, schools, universities and council and housing offices, the centres will be staffed by people who have had training in diversity issues, what constitutes hate crime, the relevant law and the processes required to report it.

Cheshire’s Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: “Hate crime is personal but it also affects the wider community. It has an impact on the individual, it has an impact on wider community groups, and has an impact on community relations.

“It is important to say that hate crime is not just about race. It is about people who are marked out to be different and are targeted because of this.

“It takes a long time to build trust and understanding. But this is an important initiative and an important step forward.”

In Cheshire there were 553 racially motivated hate crimes reported last year.

The location of Hate Crime Reporting Centres will be published on posters in libraries, and on the Cheshire Constabulary website at www.cheshire.police.uk.