Reporting Hate Crime/Incidents
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
It is defined by the Criminal Justice system as:
'Any crime or incident which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice, based on a person's real or presumed religion, sexual orientation, race, gender identity or disability'
It might be that someone has shouted names at you, taken money from you or told them to buy you things when you didn't want to, it might also be that someone has physically hurt you or damaged your property.
Someone doesn't have to hate you to commit these crimes against you, they may only dislike the fact you are disabled or gay for example. This might be difficult to prove and you may try to ignore it but it is really important that you let someone know if you think you are being targeted.
What is a Hate Incident?
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 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.
Reporting Hate Crimes and Incidents
Please report any form of hate crime or hate based incidents to Thames Valley Police.
This can be done in a number of ways:
- 999 if an ongoing emergency (It's an emergency when a crime is being committed, there's a risk of injury, or there's a risk of serious damage to property)
- 101 or the online reporting tool if non urgent
You should never report online an incident where:
- The offender is still present
- You or anyone else is seriously hurt or in danger
- You think the offender may return
In the above circumstances, we would urge you to call 999 and the police will respond immediately.
How else can I report a hate crime?
Hate Crime Network
You can report hate crime to the Network by: Phone: 0300 1234 148, App: You can also download their app to find out more about hate crime and to report it when and where it happens. The app 'TVHCNetwork' is available to download to Apple, HTML and Android phones.
Crimestoppers
You can report on 0800 555111 or online
True Vision
http://report-it.org.uk/your_police_force
Stop Hate UK
Stop Hate UK is a charity that provides independent and confidential support to people affected by Hate Crime. They provide confidential Hate Crime reporting services in various areas of the UK, including a 24 hour helpline. 0800 138 1625 - 24 hour helpline 07717 989 025 - Text, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Report Online Terrorism:
The internet is used by some people to promote terrorism and extremism. You can challenge and report terrorist and extremist content you find online, which you feel is offensive, or illegal. For more information about what makes online content illegal and how to report it, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/reportingonlineterrorism
Additional reporting/support mechanisms: