Keep hate out of Suffolk

Suffolk Constabulary is reaffirming its commitment to tackling hate crime and its support to victims across the county.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 11 to 18 October and aims to raise awareness of what hate crime is and the harmful effect it has on victims and their families, whilst also encouraging reporting and promoting respect for all communities.

Hate crime is an attack on people - physical, verbal and online - because of hostility or prejudice towards their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.

In 2022/23 Suffolk saw 1,128 hate crimes or incidents reported, compared to 1,233 the year before. This compares to 890 hate crimes in 2023/24.

Looking at October 2024 to 30 September 2025, there have been 752 hate crimes / incidents reported.

Suffolk is seeing increased reporting with offences and incidents of transphobia and disability-based hate, in line with national trends, and by far the biggest number of reported offences/incidents are in respect of racially motivated hate crime.

Hate Crime Lead at Suffolk Constabulary, Temporary Superintendent Richard Burton said: “Hate crime hurts and divides communities and we know that, for various reasons, offences are often underreported.  The awareness week gives us an opportunity to urge anyone who has experience or witnessed hate crime to come forward.

“No one should feel unsafe or targeted because of who they are or what they believe.”

The week of action sees Suffolk police continuing its work with Community Safety Partnerships in Suffolk, Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care, Suffolk County Council and Crimestoppers.

Officers will be involved in a range of activities across the county, visiting schools and carrying out engagement events in the community, with community policing teams (CPT) sharing details on local police social media pages.

Hate crimes often take place in public and Suffolk police is offering advice to potential witnesses, reminding them that their safety is a priority.

Watch, be a witness. Don’t turn away as it gives the message to the offender that their behaviour is normal and acceptable.

Observe and pay attention to what is happening, the description of the offender, where you are, what time it is, so you have the best information when you report it. Inform security, staff or other people who might be able to help.

Once you are in a safe space report the incident as a witness directly to the Police Report hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary or call 101

Remember – in case of emergency always call 999.

Also, remember to check whether the victim needs help, even after an incident. Offer to call someone for them if they need it. You can also let them know of the support available and how to report the incident themselves: www.suffolk.police.uk/hatecrime

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said: “It goes without saying that we should treat each other in a respectful way, but if that’s not the case we need to support victims of discrimination and ensure they have the confidence to report.

"Everyone has a right to live safely in Suffolk without the fear of prejudice or discrimination and this week gives us the opportunity to highlight the issue and encourage victims to report hate crime.

“If, for whatever reason, victims decide not to go to the police, Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care can offer support or if anonymity is required, you can report a hate crime to Crimestoppers. I would encourage anyone affected by hate crime to please seek support.”

For more information and advice visit www.suffolk.police.uk/hatecrime

REPORTING HATE CRIME …

Hate Crime can be reported directly to police online Report hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary or anonymously via True Vision. Stop Homophobic, Transphobic, Racial, Religious & Disability Hate Crime - True Vision

If you prefer to speak to someone, please dial 101, where someone will be able to help you.

Always dial 999 when life is threatened or people are injured, or if there is a crime in progress or an immediate police response is necessary.

If you have been a victim of or witness to a hate crime and are in need of support, please contact Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care, who offer advice and support to help you cope and recover from the impact of crime. It doesn’t matter how long ago the crime happened or if it has been reported.

Phone: 0300 303 3706 Website: www.nsvictimcare.org

Facebook/Twitter @nsvictimcareI’m

Information for young people is also available on The Source website: Home Page - The Source

For more information on the National Hate Crime Awareness week please visit https://nationalhcaw.uk