Police launch bid to improve hate crime reporting (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Police launch bid to improve hate crime reporting

10:53am Friday 16th May 2008 in

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POLICE in South Lakeland are launching a new service with partners to encourage victims of hate crime to come forward.

As part of Cumbria Police's commitment to tackling hate crime and creating safer, stronger communities, third party reporting centres are being established throughout South Lakeland.

The initiative is due to be launched at 9:30am on Tuesday (May 20) at Kendal Town Hall.

Third party reporting takes away the need for a victim to attend a police station or have any visible presence of police at their home. Instead, victims or witnesses can report incidents at a number of discreet outlets throughout the South Lakes area.

Staff at these centres are trained to deal with third party reports in a manner that will ease any apprehension, which victims or witnesses may have in making such reports. They can also provide support, advice and potentially act as a link between victims and police. It is hoped this will encourage even more victims and witnesses of crime to come forward.

Hate crime officer Pc Chris Isherwood said: "We rely on members of the public to report crimes to us and provide information to help us tackle crime. Anything we can do to further encourage that communication is a positive step forward for the Constabulary.

"Third party reporting will assist us create a clearer picture of the true nature of incidents of hate crime in South Lakeland, and help us develop strategies to prevent and deter offenders of hate crime and the potential of people becoming repeat victims.

"We will not tolerate hate crime in South Cumbria and will act robustly to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice. We do not want victims to suffer in silence."