Hate Incident Reporting
What can I report?
Hate incident: This is any incident where you or anyone else has been targeted because they are believed to be different. Someone can be harassed, victimised, intimidated or abused by someone else because of their race, religion, disability or because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans.
Some examples of hate incidents
q People swearing at you or making abusive remarks and calling you names
q Making nuisance phone calls that upset or annoy you
q Domestic violence
q Someone threatening you or doing things that frighten, intimidate or distress you
q Sending you nasty letters, e-mails or text messages
q Someone attacking you, hitting you, spitting or throwing things at you
q Graffiti or Arson
People may say or do things that make you feel alarmed, scared, upset or in fear of violence. It may be a neighbour or someone else who keeps calling you names, threatens to hurt you or damages your property. If someone commits a criminal offence that makes you feel like this, it is called a hate crime.
Why report it?
If you have witnessed or been the victim of a hate incident then please report it.
Where consent is given, the information will be recorded and used by the Council and partner organisations such as the Police or racial Equality Council to provide help and support to the victim, deal with the person(s) responsible and prevent similar incidents happening in the future. All incidents are taken very seriously and treated in the strictest confidence.
Confidentiality
All incidents reported to the council or to the police will be treated confidentially and will only be disclosed to other relevant agencies if you give your consent. You may be contacted by a Council officer to obtain further details unless you do not wish to be contacted.
In an emergency call 999 to contact the Police
Other ways to report:
• Telephone Blackpool Police on 01253 293933
• Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
• Report online at www.lancashire.police.co.uk
FREEPOST, PO Box 117, Westgate House,
Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, FY4 2GD