Hate crime will not be tolerated

Hate crime will not be tolerated

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

National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10 to 17 October) aims to raise awareness of what hate crime is and the harmful effect it has on victims and their families, while 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 the period 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026, there were 871 hate crimes / incidents reported.

Reported offences and incidents in Suffolk are predominantly based around race which is in line with national trends.

Hate Crime Lead at Suffolk Constabulary, Temporary Superintendent Shawn Wakeling, said: “Hate crime hurts and divides communities and we know that, for various reasons, offences can be under-reported. The awareness week gives us an opportunity to urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed hate crime to come forward and also to support understanding of what hate crime is.

“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 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: Hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, said: “Hate crime is a despicable crime and there is no excuse whatsoever for such behaviour in any circumstance. It will not be tolerated.

“I would encourage anyone affected by hate crime to please report it as soon as possible. Doing so will help police best support victims, ensure resources are put to best use and bring offenders to justice, when I trust if they are found guilty a suitably stiff sentence or sanction is made.

“If victims do not feel able to report it to police, there is a range of other local support available.

“A key part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner is to fund important services, voluntary groups and projects to reduce crime, keep local people safe and ensure their voices are heard. We are committed to ensuring our communities feel safe and can live without fear or intimidation.”

For more information and advice visit Hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary

REPORTING HATE CRIME …

Hate Crime can be reported directly to police online Report hate crime | Suffolk Constabulary or anonymously via True Vision. Home - Report It 

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: Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care 

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 National Hate Crime Awareness Week - Nationalhcaw