Hate Crime
Durham Constabulary will not tolerate hate crime or hate incidents.
Hate Incidents and Hate Crimes
A hate incident is any incident, which may or may not constitute a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.
A hate crime is any hate incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.
What does this mean?
Hate incidents and hate crimes are motivated by the offender’s prejudice or hatred towards someone because of –
- race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origin
- religion
- gender or gender identity
- sexual orientation
- disability
- age
This may be based on the victim’s membership or perceived membership of a particular group, but you do not have to be from a minority group or community to be a victim of hate crime.
What forms can it take?
Hate incidents and hate crimes can be committed against a person or their property. It can take many forms such as verbal abuse, harassment, assault, intimidation, bullying, damage to property and graffiti.
How can I report it?
Durham Constabulary will not tolerate hate crime or hate incidents.
It is important to report all incidents to help us in tackling hate crime. You may remain anonymous if you wish. The information you provide is extremely valuable. It enables us to identify areas of concern, patterns of behaviour, will help us to catch and prosecute offenders, and may help us prevent further incidents taking place.
You may report it by-
- Telephoning the Police on 0345 6060365
- Telephoning 999 in an emergency
- Calling in at a local police station
- Telephoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls are free and confidential.
- Contact a third party reporting centre
Advice and Support
If you wish to talk to someone about an incident or any issues surrounding hate crime, then please contact one of our dedicated Community Cohesion Officers on 0345 60 60 365
North Area Community Cohesion Officers
PCSO 6822 Laura Backhouse - Consett and Stanley
PCSO 6498 Leesa Bennison - Durham and Chester le Street
PCSO 7194 David Dove - Peterlee and Seaham
South Area Community Cohesion Officers
PCSO 7431 Mary Hobson - Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
PCSO 6642 Christine O'Brien - Darlington
To be confirmed - Bishop Auckland and Crook
Links to Further Support
Commission for Equality and Human Rights
Co Durham and Darlington Racial Equality Council
Darlington Association on Disability
Co.deaf (Co Durham Equal Access Forum)
