Hate crime

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is an offence committed against a person because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or age. Hate crimes include violence, graffiti, arson, verbal abuse, and intimidation.

Report a hate crime

Contact Thames Valley Police to report a hate crime.

In an emergency call 999
For non-emergencies call 101 or 0845 8 505 505 or on the Thames Valley Police website
You can also email our Community Safety Team at: hate.crime@wokingham.gov.uk

Why should I report a hate crime?

It is important that anyone who is a victim of, or witness to, hate crime to report it. Hate crime affects not only the victim, but their family, friends, and wider community. Your report may prevent someone else from becoming a victim. Reporting incidents provides valuable information which may contribute to the arrest of the offender/s. Reporting enables us to build up patterns of behaviour, which can be used to set up projects to combat hate crime in local areas.

If you don't report hate crime, offenders may commit similar offences again.

What action can be taken?

Types of actions that can be taken include:

Providing extra home security for victims
Increasing regular patrols in areas
Advice and support for victims
Removal of offensive graffiti
Early intervention work with perpetrators to prevent their behaviour escalating or becoming more serious
Enforcement of tenancy agreements with perpetrators
Prosecution of serious offenders

Useful websites

For more information on hate crime, and how you can help put a stop to it, visit the following websites: