CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has adopted a new approach to the reporting of a ‘hate crime’ as part of its commitment to building safer and stronger communities.
The initiative is led by Cheshire Constabulary and encourages local partner organisations to create a safe environment, where hate incidents can be reported by any member of public in a confidential way.
A ‘hate incident’ is any perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by prejudice against someone’s sex, racial heritage, religion, disability or sexual orientation. It can include graffiti, offensive mail, assault, verbal abuse or offensive literature.
The main customer contact centres of the council can now be used by anyone who wants to report a hate crime but does not want to go directly to the police.
They are Wyvern House, Winsford; The Forum, Chester; Town Hall, Neston; Castle Park, Frodsham; Information Centre, Northwich; Reception, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port; and the Housing reception, Civic Way, Ellesmere Port.
In addition to the contact centres, any hate incident can be also reported to the community safety team by ringing 0300 123 7033.
Cllr Lynn Riley, community and environment executive member, said: “It’s so important that victims and witnesses of hate crime are able to approach us if they want to report incidents.”
