HATE crime is at the forefront of the police's agenda as Cumbria joins a national bid to tackle prejudice.

The force is launching Hate Crime Awareness Week from tomorrow (Saturday, October 10) to Saturday, October 17.

It seeks to eradicate any crimes where the main motivation is based around prejudice towards a disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Officerswill be working with partners throughout the week to highlight different hate crimes and anyone can show their support using the hashtag #WeStandTogether.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown said: "Unfortunately national surveys have shown that hate crime is majorly under reported and we are continuing to work hard to build trust and confidence.

"We need to make sure that people understand what hate crime is and that they have the knowledge and confidence to be able to report it.

"It is unacceptable to be victimised in this way and we take hate crime very seriously. We will do our best to support victims and witnesses to make it stop and bring perpetrators to justice."

One element of hate crime being focused on by Cumbria Police is disability hate crime, and Diversity Officer PC Julie Dodd will be delivering an information session to members of the deaf community in Carlisle during the week.

Julie said: "This is one of four countywide sessions that we are holding in partnership with Deaf Vision, with the aim to inform the deaf community about hate crime and how to report it to the Police.

"Like other hate crimes, disability hate crime is under reported and therefore we need to work with partner agencies and communities to address this."

Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: "If we are to stamp out hate crime in the county, we need people to come forward and tell us about it. 

"Any crime is unacceptable, but hate crime in particular has such a dramatic impact on people’s lives, so any initiative that makes it easier for people to get in touch is to be welcomed.

"I would strongly encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime or hate incident to come forward and report it."

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