SENIOR figures from the region’s criminal justice system have pledged their continuing commitment to tackling hate crime across the North-East.

Police, prosecutors and the region’s three Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) gathered at Darlington Town Hall at the launch of National Hate Crime Awareness Week to talk about the harm that hate crime can cause, both to individuals and to society as a whole.

The term ‘hate crime’ refers to any crime against a person which is perceived to be motivated by a person’s hostility or prejudice against certain characteristics such as race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Introducing the event was Jan Lamping, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North-East, who said: “Safety and security and the right to live free from fear and harassment are fundamental human rights.

“Criminal offences that are driven by hostility or hatred based on personal characteristics undermine the very principles of fairness and equality upon which our society is built.

“Such crimes are based on ignorance, prejudice, discrimination and hate, and those values have no place in an open and democratic society.”

The event provided an opportunity for each of the PCCs to talk about some of the ways in which criminal justice partners are tackling hate crime in the region.

Northumbria PCC, Vera Baird, said: “Northumbria Police is dedicated to tackling all kinds of hate crime.

“Our officers are here to help and victims need to feel assured that they will be protected by the Criminal Justice System."

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PCC for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger said that Cleveland Police had launched a network of crime reporting champions to help raise awareness of hate crime, as well as introducing a facility to report incidents online.

He added: “But we are not complacent – we will continue to spread the message that this type of crime is unacceptable and that support is available to those who have suffered from this type of abuse.”

Durham PCC, Ron Hogg, said: “Hate crime is a key area of focus in my Police and Crime Plan.

“The planned initiatives and activities carried out this week will demonstrate my desired aim to enhance partnership working, increase awareness and confidence and ultimately give victims the channel to report the crime and get the support they need.

“It will also send a clear message to perpetrators that Hate Crime will not be tolerated.”