POLICE in East Herts are improving the ways in which the public can report hate crime.
By late September, there will be 10 hate crime reporting boxes in locations across East Herts allowing any member of the public to report a hate crime or incident.
Hate crime is harassing, victimising, intimidating or abusing someone because of their race, faith, religion, disability or because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.
Adrian Pomfrett from the Eastern area hate crime unit, said: “The hate crime boxes allow anyone to make a report either as a victim or as a witness, with the opportunity to stay anonymous”
“We take hate crime very seriously and treat this as a priority. What you tell us is confidential.”
If you give us your personal details Hertfordshire Constabulary has specially-trained officers who will help you understand what has happened to you. They can meet you in a place where you feel comfortable and safe. They will help you find a solution to your problem and explain your options. If you do not give us your personal details your report will still help us with valuable information to help keep the community a safer place.
Adrian continued: “We are working closely with other agencies such as the council, housing associations and community groups to support victims of hate crime.”
The hate crime reporting boxes can be found at the following community locations. These places may change from time to time in response to public demand. An up-to-date list can be found on http://www.hertsiag.co.uk/welcome/hate-crime/
1. East Herts District Council Offices – Hertford
2. Hertford Library
3. Riversmead Housing Association – Hertford
4. Ware Library
5. Bishops House Day Centre – Bishop’s Stortford
6. East Herts District Council Offices – Bishop’s Stortford
7. Bishop’s Stortford Library
8. Circle Anglia Housing Association – Bishop’s Stortford (location may vary depending on need)
9. Buntingford – Library
10. Sawbridgeworth – Library
If you have been a victim of hate crime or know somebody who has please contact police on 0845 33 00 222 or use one of our hate crime reporting boxes. Reporting forms will be available at the locations of the boxes and you can also download a reporting form from our website (www.herts.police.uk). Whatever you tell us about what happened to you or someone else will be treated in the strictest confidence.
