Huntingdonshire victims of hate crime have new way to report incidents

VICTIMS and witnesses of hate crime in Huntingdonshire have a new way to report abuse.

On Monday, Cambridgeshire police central division (Huntingdonshire and Fenland) signed up to the Stop Hate UK scheme.

Run by national charity, Stop Hate UK, the move means anyone wanting to report hate crime can now phone, text, email or talk online to specially trained staff.

This is aimed at making reporting incidents easier for victims who do not want to talk to police in the first instance.

Chief executive of Stop Hate UK Rose Simkins said: "The police are recognising that for many reasons the public are not coming forward to talk to officers about hate crime. Hate crime reporting is very low and we hope that this initiative will encourage victims to come forward.

"People suffer hostility, prejudice and hatred because of their disability, gender and race. They are spat at, suffer name calling and have eggs thrown at their homes. Many hate crime victims see these as everyday occurrences but they do not have to suffer in silence."

Stop Hate UK raises awareness and understanding of hate crime and supports the individuals and communities it affects.

The 24-hour reporting line and text services enable victims and witnesses to access independent support and remain anonymous.

If an interpreter is required the charity will find one and make a return phone call within 72 hours.

Hate Crime officer Detective Constable Jamie Brownsell said: "I hope that this scheme encourages people to talk to someone about any hate crimes they may be suffering or witnessing.

"It will give people the opportunity to get support and decide if they would like to take it further by talking to the police."

INFORMATION: Stop Hate UK can be contacted by phoning 0800 1381625, texting 07717 989025 or emailing talk@stophateuk.org Incidents of hate crime can still be reported to Cambridgeshire police by phoning 0345 4564564.