How Hartlepool United and Cleveland Police are working together to support victims of hate crime

Pools has volunteered to become a third-party reporting centre, where victims of hate crime can report incidents in locations across their community if they feel nervous reporting them directly to police.

Venues recognised as a third party reporting centre can now be identified through a new logo, which will be displayed at places across Cleveland.

The launch of the new logo comes during Hate Crime Awareness Week, a national campaign which is running until Friday, October 17, to raise awareness of hate crime and the support that is available to victims.

Sergeant Bryan Marsay, from Cleveland Police Community Engagement Team, said: “Cleveland Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have invested significantly in the fight against hate crime, with the introduction of dedicated Hate Crime Investigators, who have successfully prosecuted over 200 people since their introduction and additional staff in the Community Engagement Team to look at engaging with communities and building trust between the police and vulnerable groups.

“It is vital that we build and maintain these relationships, so that people feel the confidence to come forward and report incidents of hate crime.

"Third party reporting centres are another tool for us to utilise to support victims and we’re really pleased that Hartlepool United Football Club have now got on board too.”

Martin Jesper, Acting Executive Director at Hartlepool United, continued: "We are delighted to support this initiative and become a third-party reporting centre.

As an integral member of the local community we recognise how important it is for individuals to come forward in reporting hate crime to protect the personal safety and wellbeing of family, friends and other vulnerable individuals across our community.

"If we are able to improve the lives of anyone affected by hate crime through the social outreach we have as the local professional football club, it will be extremely rewarding for everyone involved."

Acting Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Lisa Oldroyd, added: "“Hartlepool United Football Club is at the heart of the local community so it is ideally-placed to become a third party reporting centre.”

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