Shropshire Star

Shropshire hate crime figures fall

West Mercia Police is urging victims of hate crime not to suffer in silence by reporting incidents.

Published

Reports of hate crimes in the West Mercia policing area fell in the 2013/14 financial year compared to the previous financial year. In Shropshire the figure fell from 104 to 97.

However, national research shows that hate crimes are underreported and the government and police are committed to tackling this problem and giving people the confidence to report such incidents.

The drop in reported offences locally is in contrast to national data released last week, which showed a five per cent increase in reports across the country.

Superintendent Neil Jamieson, hate crime lead for West Mercia Police, said: "Hate crimes are different from many other types of offences in that we actually want to see an increase in reported incidents. We know that nationally, hate crime is underreported and we are committed to ensuring people have the confidence to report such incidents and give us the opportunity to investigate."

Hate crimes cover crimes committed out of hostility or prejudice on the grounds of race, religion or faith, sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability or individual characteristics that makes someone appear different.

Reports of hate crime in the West Mercia policing area fell 11 per cent in 2013/14, with 567 reported incidents, down from 638 in 2012/13.

Mr Jamieson is keen to reverse this trend and ensure victims of hate crime are getting the support they need and perpetrators are brought to justice.

He said: "The best way to stop hate crime is to report it, whether that is to the police or one of the other methods available to victims. The police and courts have additional powers to ensure people who commit hate crimes are appropriately punished and can't continue to victimise people because of who they are. We will also ensure a comprehensive package of support is put in place for victims."

There are several ways of reporting hate crimes. People can report it online at www.report-it.org.uk or in an emergency call 999 or for non-emergencies call 101.

They can call in at a police station or stop a police officer in the street, email via contactus@westmercia.pnn.police.uk, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or e-mail or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

They can also call Victim Support on 0845 30 30 900 or drop in at Citizen's Advice Bureau offices in Shrewsbury and Oswestry.

See also: Police reveal a hike in Shropshire sex crime figures

See also: Hate crime victims 'know abusers'

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