Police boss welcomes hate crime crackdown

Warwickshire will not tolerate racial hatred, says newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Seccombe who welcomed measures to 'drive appalling hate crimes out of Britain'.
Philip Seccombe pictured earlier this year when he welcomed Nicky Morgan to Warwickshire. NNL-160630-164920001Philip Seccombe pictured earlier this year when he welcomed Nicky Morgan to Warwickshire. NNL-160630-164920001
Philip Seccombe pictured earlier this year when he welcomed Nicky Morgan to Warwickshire. NNL-160630-164920001

Prime Minister, David Cameron announced in the House of Commons yesterday that a new action plan on tackling hate crime will be published shortly.

It will include guidance to the Crown Prosecution Service on racially aggravated crime, increased security measures where problems may exist, and more funding for community organisations to tackle hate crime.

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The new measures which the Prime Minister said would “drive appalling hate crime out of Britain” follow reports of a rise in racially-motivated attacks and assaults in the aftermath of the EU referendum.

Mr Seccombe said despite no such incidents have been reported in Warwickshire to date, action is welcomed.

He said: “We are fortunate in Warwickshire to have communities which are in the vast majority of cases tolerant and respectful of each other and we have not experienced any upturn in reported incidents of racially-aggravated crime.

“I must stress that hate crime in all of its forms is unacceptable, whatever the motivation behind it may be.

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“It is understandable that communities may be feeling concerned after seeing reports of vile and unacceptable behaviour from elsewhere but I am reassured that Warwickshire Police is continuing to monitor the situation and will deal quickly and robustly with anyone responsible for any such incidents here.

“Each incident of hate crime reported is thoroughly investigated and offenders should be in no doubt that there will be consequences for their actions.

“Police already have robust powers to deal with racially-aggravated incidents and the courts treat the hate aspect of these crimes as an aggravating factor, allowing judges the ability to apply more severe sentences for those found guilty.

“While we await details of the new measures announced by the Prime Minister, I welcome the added determination being shown to ensure that the message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in any form is heard loudly and clearly.

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“I would urge anyone who feels as though they have been a victim of hate crime or has witnessed an incident to come forward so that action can be taken.”

You can report a hate crime in confidence in any of the following ways:

- In an emergency call 999

- For non-emergencies call 101

- Report online at www.report-it.org.uk.

- Call in at a police station or stop police officers in the street

- Call the Victim Support national number, 0808 168 9111.