VICTIMS of hate crime in Hartlepool are urged to come forward and not suffer in silence.

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership – whose members include Hartlepool Council and Cleveland Police – is calling on them to report crimes, either online or by visiting one of a series of local reporting centres in the town.

The appeal has been issued as part of an on-going campaign to raise awareness of hate crime and the help available to victims.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership and leader of Hartlepool Council, said: “Hate crimes are often under-reported and that is something we are very keen to change. By raising awareness of the support that is available to victims we hope they will be more confident about coming forward.

“Everyone in the town should be able to get on with their lives without fear of abuse.”

Hate crimes are crimes that are committed against people because of disability, gender-identity, race, religion or sexual orientation and include threatening behaviour, verbal abuse, assault, robbery, damage including offensive graffiti, inciting others to commit hate crimes or harassment.

To report a crime online, visit www.report-it.org.uk/home or phone the police.