Standing together for '˜Hate Awareness Week'

The force is working with partners to spread the message to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through a series of events during the week, which runs from 8-15 October.

Darren Goddard, Hate Crime Officer for Leicestershire Police, said: “We know that hate incidents and hate crimes don’t just impact on the victim but they also affect their family, their friends and the whole community.

“The theme for this year’s National Hate Crime Awareness Week is Standing Together and there is no stronger message than when our diverse communities stand together side by side against hate. We want to send a clear message that hate has no place in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“Communities are encouraged to hold their own events or visit their local council website for events in their area. We are hoping that people take the opportunity to try foods from different cultures, meet their neighbours, share stories and learn about each other’s beliefs.”

Councillor Joe Orson, county council cabinet member for safer communities, added: “It’s simply not acceptable to be targeted because of who you are. Often, hate incidents go unreported. We hope people will attend events, or hold their own, to raise awareness, encourage communities to ‘stand together and report hate’ and empower people to report incidents or crimes they experience or witness.

“It also provides a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and to educate others on different traditions and cultures. If we stand together and say no to hate, together we can make a difference.”

Leicestershire’s police and crime commissioner, Willy Bach, said: “I know that Leicestershire Police takes the issue of hate crime very seriously, as I do. There will be no tolerance shown to anyone committing this type of offence, which I know causes both harm and distress to the victim.”

You can report a hate incident or hate crime to Leicestershire Police on 101, or in emergency please call 999. You can also report to your local council or anonymously via the Stamp It Out website: www.stamp-it-out.co.uk