Guildford’s communities will be asked to ‘open their eyes and ears’ to Hate Crime this week as the Safer Guildford Partnership’s Hate Crime Group hosts a one-day event outside the Spectrum Leisure Centre (on the grassed area) on Thursday 13 August from 10am – 3pm.

Hate crime is a crime and it can manifest itself in a variety of ways and is often a result of someone’s prejudice towards a victim’s race, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation. So if an individual believes s/he is a victim because of s/he is part of a group, the crime would be recorded as a hate crime.

Examples include being bullied, assaulted, harassed, called names or having your property and cars damaged. Damage of this sort is not just vandalism but a form of hate crime. It is totally unacceptable in itself and if allowed to escalate can result in violence and even murder.

Ian Cole, Safer Guildford Partnership, said: “Hate crimes are unacceptable, and for many who experience hatred and discrimination, it can have wide and long-lasting effects both personally and professionally.

And went on to say: “We want to give members of the community the confidence and ability to take action should they or someone they know become a victim and hope that this event will help to raise awareness of some of the issues. “

Staff at the event will be handing out leaflets and coloured wristbands to encourage people to report cases of Hate Crime. Reporting incidents not only helps the police to catch the offender, but it also helps local groups, like the Safer Guildford Partnership Hate Crime group, to work with individuals and local communities to help deal with it.

DCI Scott Salmon from Surrey Police, said: “We know that incidents of Hate Crime occur in our communities and that’s why we are setting up at the Spectrum Leisure Centre so that we can talk with families, raise awareness of the issues and reassure people that Hate Crime is dealt with sensitively when reported and investigations are monitored by a dedicated Hate Crime Coordinator on each division in Surrey. People should not be afraid to speak out and let Surrey Police know when it occurs so we can tackle this unacceptable type of crime.”

There are several ways to report Hate Crime:

You can report on line (anonymously if you prefer) and find out more about how to receive support if you are a victim of Hate Crime, at our dedicated microsite at : www.surreypoliceonline.co.uk/reportcrime/hatecrime

Complete a self-reporting leaflet (available at Citizens advice bureau and Guildford Borough Council offices) and post it freepost to the address on the leaflet.

Ring Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 (minicom: 01483 539999).