Hartlepool officials plea to hate crime victims not to suffer in silence

Multi-agency partnership Hartlepool Community Safety Team has issued the appeal ahead of World Refugee Day on Saturday, June 20.

The day designated by the United Nations celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Jane Munden, victim services officer with the Hartlepool Community Safety Team, said: “It is important that people inform us of issues as and when they occur so that timely action can be taken.

“We are not prepared to tolerate hate crime in any of its forms and support will be provided to victims and witnesses who come forward.”

Hate crime is an offence that is motivated by or demonstrates hostility towards another person due to disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity. It includes both physical and verbal abuse.

The Mail reported in May how more than 20 suspects had been interviewed by police for various hate crime offences since the start of lockdown.

Cleveland Police say hate incidents cause harm to individuals, their family and friends and as well as the creation of fear and division in communities.

The force says it will not be tolerated.

And earlier this month, police launched an investigation after a missing person appeal saw a number of alleged racist posts made by individuals online.

Hate crime can be reported to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Complaints can also be logged online at https://www.report-it.org.uk/

There is also a network of third party reporting centres in the borough. For more information go to https://www.cleveland.pcc.police.uk/Victim-Services/Hate-Crime-and-How-to-Report-It.aspx

The Hartlepool Community Safety Team comprises staff from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police and Cleveland Fire Brigade who are all based together at Hartlepool Police Station.

The team was set up to provide a co-ordinated response to crime and anti-social behaviour issues affecting neighbourhoods across the borough.

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