Report Hate Crime

What is a hate crime?

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:

disability
race or ethnicity
religion or belief
sexual orientation
transgender identity

They can be committed against a person or property. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

What is a hate incident?

Hate Incidents can feel like crimes to those who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community.

For this reason the police are concerned about incidents and you can use the True Vision website to report non-crime hate incidents.

The police can only prosecute when the law is broken but can work with partners to try and prevent any escalation in seriousness.

Why should I report hate crime?

Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening.

By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

Reporting makes a difference – to you, your friends, and your life.

How can I report Hate Crime?

There are several ways you can report a hate crime, whether you have been a victim, a witness, or you are reporting on behalf of someone else:

In an emergency

call 999 or 112.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. However, you will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. See the emergencySMS website for details(opens in new window).

2. Contact the police

Who you can speak to in confidence. You do not have to give your personal details, but please be aware the investigation and ability to prosecute the offender(s) is severely limited if the police cannot contact you. Contact your local police force, either by telephone or by visiting your local police station. Details on how to contact your local police force can be found at www.police.uk (opens in new window).

3. Report online

You can report online using the facility on this website. Go to the ‘Reporting online’ page (opens in new window).

4. Self-reporting form

You can download the self reporting form and send this to your local police force. The forms, including an Easy Read version, can be found on the ‘Report a hate crime’ page (opens in new window).

5. Third party reporting centres

Local agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Voluntary Services etc can also report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support. The ‘Organisations that can help’ page has a list of those organisations that may be able to help you (opens in new window).

6. Crimestoppers

If you do not want to talk to the police or fill in the reporting forms, you can still report a hate crime by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Tell them what you know 100% anonymously. Always. Speak up. Stop crime. Stay safe.

More information listed on the police funded True Vision website.

www.report-it.org.uk

Tower Hamlets Neighbourhood Watch Association

National hate crime awareness week