DURHAM’S Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Ron Hogg has signed up to a national campaign to end hate crime against disabled people.

He recently pledged his support to Mencap’s Stand By Me campaign which calls on police forces to sign a promise to help make sure people with a learning disability feel safe in their community.

Durham police officially endorsed its support for the campaign in June 2011 and Mr Hogg, who was elected as PCC in November, has now also signed the pledge.

He said: “I am committed to tackling hate crime in County Durham and Darlington and this is one of my personal priorities.

“Hate crime of any type is thoroughly despicable but becomes even more so when directed against vulnerable people.”

The pledge will see Mencap work with Mr Hogg to offer guidance and suggest any adjustments needed within the force to better support disabled victims of crime.

Dan Scorer, Mencap’s senior campaigns manager, said: “Through the Stand by me campaign we want to make sure that all police services are following the example set by the best services.

“We welcome Durham PCC's commitment to constantly strive to uphold these standards and help end disability hate crime in a generation.”