Wiltshire Police has seen an increase in the number of people being convicted for hate crimes.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs until 20 October, aims to raise awareness of those who are targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.
It also aims to encourage more people - whether a victim or witness - to report hate crime.
The latest national hate crime percentage rate for convictions is 67%. However, in Wiltshire, the figure is greater - in August it was at 80% and in September at 75%.
Throughout the awareness week, the force is sharing stories from several people who have been at the receiving end of racist and transphobic abuse.
Chief Inspector Gill Hughes, Hate Crime Lead for Wiltshire Police, said: “We, as a force, have a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
"No one should be attacked for who they are – for their race, nationality, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, gender identity or disability.
"Behind every crime there is a victim, another human being, and incidents such as these can leave a life-long lasting impact.
“I am hoping that this awareness week will encourage anyone who has been subjected to any form of hate crime to report it.
“I am also hoping it underlines the fact that all forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable, and we will do all we can to investigate reports and ensure those who carry out these acts are appropriately dealt with."
More information and guidance on how to report a hate crime can be found at www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article