Being You Is Not A Crime 

Being you is not a crime – but targeting you because of who you are is.

That is the latest message from Humberside Police, as part of a continued drive to reach out to victims of hate crime.

The level of reported hate crime is falling across the force area – with 1,441 crimes or non-criminal incidents recorded between January 2014 and March 2015.

However, Diversity and Cohesion manager Adil Khan also urged those who fail to report incidents to get in touch.

He said: “The importance of people reporting incidents to us is significant, whether people think that it’s a minor thing or a serious matter if they don’t tell us it increases the chance of those who are perpetrators continuing their behaviour.”

And, to coincide with the launch of the National Hate Crime Awareness campaign, which runs from Saturday, October 10 to Saturday, October 17, officers want to make it clear that if you are targeted because of who you are, we will take action.

The force’s aim is to ensure everyone understands what hate crime is, the importance of reporting incidents, who to speak to for help or information and how to report it to police.

Community cohesion officer Pc Sharon Houfe said: “If someone physically or verbally abuses you because of your race, religion, sexuality or disability, this is not something you have to put up with.

“This is a hate crime and you need to report it. If we are going to put a stop to it and educate those who lash out at those who are different to them, we need to know about it.

“It shouldn’t just be a part of life and I would urge anyone who experiences issues around hate crime to get in touch.”

During the last 15 months, the majority of reported hate crimes and incidents (73 per cent) were racially motivated.

A total of 13 per cent of crimes and incidents were directed at the LGBT community; 10.5 per cent at the disabled and three per cent were on the grounds of religion.

Of the 1,441 total, 659 were recorded as crimes.

There are many ways in which you can report hate crime – and you don’t have to directly contact police if you don’t wish to.

As well as calling 101 – or 999 if you are in immediate danger – you can report hate crime by visiting one of the many reporting centres available across the force area.

Plans are also in place to install reporting boxes in key religious venues across the area.

Find out more about hate crime and how you can report it or watch a video highlighting the importance of reporting hate crime.

For all the latest news about the drive and how you can get involved, visit www.humberside.police.uk, follow @humberbeat #BeingYouIsNotACrime on twitter or visit the Humberside Police Facebook page.