Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has welcomed an announcement from the Prime Minister that additional measures will be put in place to “drive appalling hate crimes out of Britain”.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Cameron said that a new action plan on tackling hate crime will be published shortly, which will include new guidance to Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors on racially aggravated crime, a new fund for protective security measures at potentially vulnerable institutions and additional funding for community organisations so they can tackle hate crime.
It follows reports around the country of an increase of racially-motivated incidents in the immediate aftermath of the EU referendum.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “We are fortunate in Warwickshire to have communities which are in the vast majority of cases tolerant and respectful of each other and we have not experienced any upturn in reported incidents of racially-aggravated crime, although this has been seen in other parts of the country. I must stress however that hate crime in all of its forms is unacceptable, whatever the motivation behind it may be.
“It is understandable that communities may be feeling concerned after seeing reports of vile and unacceptable behaviour from elsewhere but I am reassured that that Warwickshire Police is continuing to monitor the situation and will deal quickly and robustly with anyone responsible for any such incidents here. Each incident of hate crime reported to the force is thoroughly investigated and offenders should be in no doubt that there will be consequences for their actions.
“Police already have robust powers to deal with racially-aggravated incidents and the courts treat the hate aspect of these crimes as an aggravating factor, allowing judges the ability to apply more severe sentences for those found guilty.
“While we await details of the new measures announced by the Prime Minister, I welcome the added determination being shown to ensure that the message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in any form is heard loudly and clearly.
“I would urge anyone who feels as though they have been a victim of hate crime or has witnessed an incident taking place to come forward and report it so that action can be taken.”
You can report a hate crime in confidence in any of the following ways:
- In an emergency call 999
- For non-emergencies call 101
- Report online at report-it.org.uk
- Call in at a police station or stop police officers in the street
- Call the Victim Support national number – 0808 168 9111. You do not need to provide your name when reporting to Victim Support.
