West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is asking communities to increase reporting of hate crime to ensure the issue is tackled effectively.
The Commissioner is supporting national Hate Crime Awareness Week along with Deputy PCC Tracey Onslow. They are attending and supporting various events including:
- The ‘Pride and Prejudice’ conference hosted by Fortis Living at Worcester University. The event funded by the Commissioner highlighted and celebrated diversity whilst challenging all kinds of prejudice
- The launch of West Mercia Police’s Hate Crime Awareness Week in Whitchurch, Shropshire. The Deputy PCC signed the pledge against hate crime and encouraged local businesses to support the campaign
- A pledge signing event hosted by Bewdley and Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team
- The Deputy PCC attended a Hate Crime Awareness Pop Up Shop in Kidderminster. The pop up shop, is one of four funded by the PCC.
- The PCC has funded a film entitled ‘Aligargh’ which will be shown at the Shropshire Rainbow LGBT Film Festival this weekend, and sends a strong message about acceptance, understanding and equality. To view the trailer click here:
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said “I am very clear that hate crime will not be tolerated and tackling it is a key priority for me as Commissioner. We know that hate crime is under reported and understanding more about the scale of the problem is the first step. I would encourage all victims to come forward, report offences and get any help they need to cope and recover. I will make sure the police have the resources and commitment to do their part and that there are services available to help victims. Ultimately, I want our communities to be safer, happier and more united. We can all help to achieve that”.
Follow the campaign on Twitter and Facebook (@WestMerciaPCC) using the hashtags: #EndHateCrime #NHCAW
Photos from the events will be added to our Flickr album here
Published: Friday 14th October 2016
