Hate Crime

A Hate Crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on the victim's race, faith, sexuality, disability or gender. 

Hate Crime takes many forms including verbal or physical abuse, damage to property, harassment and bullying.

Many Hate Crime incidents go unreported. Unfortunately many offenders view minority groups as being an easy target, knowing they have a good chance of not being reported. By reporting an incident, no matter how small it may seem, you can help prevent other people from suffering, as well as protecting yourself from further harm.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a Hate Crime, don’t suffer in silence, report it!

Reporting to the Police

You can report any Hate Crime to the police, they have specially trained officers who can support you.  They will take you seriously and can investigate what has happened. If you are in immediate danger the police are also an emergency service.

  • 0345 456 456 4 for non emergencies (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
  • 999 in an emergency (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Reporting to Open Out

The Open Out scheme offers support and information to victims and witnesses of Hate Crime.  Some people feel uncomfortable reporting hate crime incidents directly to the police. The Open Out scheme recognises these fears, and allows you to report incidents confidentially and anonymously if you wish.  They can also support you if you have reported an incident to the police.

  • To speak to a trained Open Out worker call 01223 823552 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm)

If you're calling outside of this time or can't get through please leave a message with your name, number and the best time to call.

Open Out is sponsored by the East Cambridgeshire Community Safety Partnership