Police urge people to report LGBT hate crimes

The force is looking to clamp down on offences targeted against people based on their sexual orientation or gender.

It said hate crime is largely under-reported, particularly when it is aimed at the LGBT community. 

But now, to tie in with LGBT history month this February, South Yorkshire Police has stepped up to say why it is important to speak up.

Incidents of hate crime can be reported in a variety of ways, from going directly to the police, through a third party reporting centre or by reporting online.

A hate crime or incident can be anything from assault, to name-calling, harassment and even blackmail. It is any crime or incident which is perceived by a person to be because of hostility or prejudice based on religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity or transgender identity.  

Det Ch Insp Melanie Palin, the force lead for hate crime, said: “To help us understand the true extent of hate crime in relation to members of the LGBT community, we want to encourage people to report any incidents to us.

“It is only when an incident has been reported that we are then able to fully investigate the matter and put the appropriate measures in place to continue to try and tackle these unacceptable crimes. 

“Hate crime incidents can occur in everyday situations, from shopping, to eating out and using public transport, and can have long lasting emotional and psychological impact on a victim. 

“We realise that many people may have experienced some form of homophobia or transphobia in their lives and won’t have reported it to anyone. 

“We also appreciate that many people have concerns about reporting such incidents for fear of further incidents occurring or worrying that they could be ‘outed’. 

“However, I would like to reassure people that any complaint made to us will be taken extremely seriously and treated with the utmost respect. 

“The police do not tolerate hate crime and you shouldn’t have to either. Members of the LGBT community should not feel as though they can’t hold hands in public or feel as if they won’t be taken seriously when they report an incident to us. 

“Reports of hate crimes and hate incidents will be investigated thoroughly, with support provided from our officers and appropriate partner agencies.”

DCI Palin said that by raising awareness and reaching out to various communities, more people should feel confident enough in the police to come forward to report incidents. 

She said: “Many people don’t realise that what they are experiencing is actually a hate crime and all too often just see it as inevitable and sadly feel as though they have to put up with it. 

“If you’re experiencing verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment or violence, please report it to us.”

To report an incident of hate crime, telephone 101 if the incident has already happened. An incident of hate crime can also be reported online at southyorks.police.uk/reportcrime. 

People can report an incident anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or through True Vision online at report-it.org.uk. 

If a crime is in progress, people should call 999.