What is hate crime?
Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:
disability
race or ethnicity
religion or belief
sexual orientation
transgender identity
This can be committed against a person or property.
A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted.
In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
Hate Incidents
Hate Incidents can feel like crimes to those who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community.
For this reason the police are concerned about incidents and you can use this site to report non-crime hate incidents.
The police can only prosecute when the law is broken but can work with partners to try and prevent any escalation in seriousness.
Why should I report hate crime?
Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening.
By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else.
You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.
How can I report a hate crime?
There are several ways you can report a hate crime, whether you have been a victim, a witness, or you are reporting on behalf of someone else:
1. In an emergency call 999 or 112.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. However, you will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. See the emergencySMS website for details. www.emergencysms.org.uk/.
2. Contact the police
Who you can speak to in confidence.
You do not have to give your personal details, but please be aware the investigation and ability to prosecute the offender(s) is severely limited if the police cannot contact you.
Contact your local police force, either by telephone or by visiting your local police station.
Details on how to contact your local police force can be found at www.police.uk (opens in new window).
3. Report online
You can report online using the true vision website www.report-it.org.uk
4. Third party reporting centres
Details of the local Third party reporting centres in Rochdale can be found on the GMP website www.gmp.police.uk
Stop Hate UK provide confidential and independent Hate Crime reporting services in various areas in the UK including a 24 hour helpline. www.stophateuk.org
5. Crimestoppers
If you do not want to talk to the police or fill in the reporting forms, you can still report a hate crime by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org (opens in new window).
You do not have to give your name and what you say is confidential.
It is free to call.
You can give us as little or as much personal information as you wish.
But please note: With your details... the incident can be investigated fully and you can get the service you deserve and the support you need.
Without your details... the report will be used for monitoring purposes to get a true vision of what is happening.
Please contact crimestoppers-uk.org if you would like support to report a hate crime or hate incidents to the police.