Suffolk urged to speak up about hate crime

We have launched a campaign in Suffolk during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, urging the public to anonymously report those responsible for hate crime across the county.

In Suffolk, there has been a 16% increase in reported hate crime (from April 2019 – September 2019 to April 2020 – September 2020). On average this year, 93 hate crimes have been reported each month and the majority have been race-related.*  
 

Hate crime is believed to be hugely under-reported, which is why we are asking the public to pass on what they know, 100% anonymously. Many people accept some hate crime as ‘part of life’ and do not realise that the abuse they are suffering is a crime. They may also mistakenly believe that nothing will be done about it.

Hate crime can be motivated by disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or gender identity. Victims may be subjected to physical assaults or suffer damage to their property. They may also experience the threat of an attack or verbal abuse. Inciting hatred towards a person or group of people, including online, is also a form of hate crime.

During the four-week campaign which will be focused online, we are urging the public to speak up about hate crime perpetrators in a bid to help stamp it out. 

“Our charity believes that crime motivated by hatred or prejudice is never acceptable and we know it is awful for all people affected by it. This is why we are encouraging people to come forward with information. One hate crime is one too many.
 
“We urge anyone who has information about the people who are responsible for  hate crime or incidents, to tell us what you know 100% anonymously. We understand it’s not easy to report someone, especially if they are close or known to you.  Please remember that Crimestoppers, as an independent charity, keeps its promise of 100% anonymity each and every day to those who trust us with their crime information.

“Share what you know by calling our UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or use our website’s simple and secure anonymous online form. We’re open 24/7, 365 days a year. No one will ever know your identity. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information. We will pass on what you tell us.”     

If you are a victim of hate crime, due to our anonymity guarantee, in an emergency always call 999. Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care can also help. They can be reached on 0300 303 3706 Monday – Friday between 8am – 5pm. For support outside of these hours you can call the Victim Support 24-hour helpline on 0808 168 9111.

If you have any information about hate crime, please contact us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our secure, anonymous online form.


* Hate crime statistics from Suffolk Constabulary.