Victims of crime motivated by hate or discrimination in Warwickshire are being urged to report it in confidence on a new website to help the police tackle the issue.
The county’s police force has joined forces with the Association of Chief Police Officers to launch the site, True Vision, which provides information about what hate crime is, why it is important to report it when it happens and sets out how to do so.
This includes a new form which enables victims to report hate crime online. The site also provides links to organisations that can offer support and advice on related issues.
ACPO’s lead on hate crime, Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris, said: “These crimes cause a great deal of fear among victims and damages communities. It is vital that we close the gap of under-reporting.
“Only by increasing reporting can we gain a better understanding of the extent of hate crime and it is for this reason that I urge victims and witnesses to use the True Vision website and to continue to come forward so we can bring the perpetrators to justice.”
In November ACPO published its first set of national hate crime recorded crime statistics which showed that during 2009 the police in England, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded 52,028 hate crimes, of which 1,402 were motivated because of the victim’s disability.
Chief Inspector Mike Slemensek of Warwickshire Police’s equality, diversity and human rights unit said: “One of the greatest challenges is to reduce the under-reporting of hate crimes in Warwickshire. We therefore welcome the launch of the True Vision website.
“It will help encourage local people to report hate crimes – which are those crimes perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.”
To report a hate crime, call the force’s dedicated hate crome helpline on 0845 129 2221 or visit the new website.
Kenilworth Weekly News
