Hate Crime

What is hate crime?

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:

• Disability
• Race or ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Transgender identity

This can be committed against a person or property. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

How can I report?

There are several ways you can report a hate crime, whether you have been a victim, a witness, or you are reporting on behalf of someone else:

• Online
• Telephone
• Calling 999 - 112
• Crimestoppers
• Citizens Advice Hartlepool
• Other organisations around the community

Hate Incidents

Hate Incidents can feel like crimes to those who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community. For this reason the police are concerned about incidents and you can use this site to report non-crime hate incidents. The police can only prosecute when the law is broken but can work with partners to try and prevent any escalation.