Hate Crime
The police and the courts treat hate crime very seriously. Hate crime is upsetting for victims and their friends and families, and creates hatred in communities.
The Crime and Policing website Police.uk define hate crime as any crime that is targeted at a person or group of people because of prejudice or hostility about:
- race – including culture, nationality and language
- religion and belief
- sexual orientation
- transgender identity – including anyone who is transsexual, transgender, transvestite or who holds a Gender Recognition Certificate
- disability – including physical or mental impairment, or learning disabilities.
The police will treat hate crime as a priority. The courts can also impose a more severe sentence than for a similar crime with no hate motive.
If you think you’ve been a victim of hate crime, you should report it to the police as soon as possible. Some police forces have dedicated officers to deal with particular types of hate crime.
By reporting it when it happens to you, you may be able to prevent it happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can respond to it better.
How Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service can help
Working with the police and other agencies, we can offer a service to make the victim safer in their home through the fitting of smoke alarms, letterbox security devices, window alarms and tailored advice regarding security and fire safety.
For further information contact us on 0116 287 2241 or email info@lfrs.org
