Reporting Hate Crime in Nottingham

Hate crime

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s:

• disability
• race or ethnicity
• religion or belief
• sexual orientation
• transgender identity

This can be committed against a person or property.

A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

You can see the shared definition of 'Monitored Hate Crime' (opens in new tab) here.

Hate incidents

Hate Incidents can feel like crimes to those who suffer them and often escalate to crimes or tension in a community. For this reason the police are concerned about incidents and you can also use this site to report non-crime hate incidents. The police can only prosecute when the law is broken but can work with partners to try and prevent any escalation in seriousness.

Why should I report hate crime?

Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening.

By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

Report Hate Crime Now Link

Here are some tips to follow if you are out and about.

• Stay alert – awareness is your best defence.
• Leave venues with friends wherever possible.
• Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Be confident – even if you don't feel it.
• Travel as if you know where you are going.
• Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around.
• Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it.
• Have your keys available when you reach your home or car.
• Keep money for taxis – the expense is worth it.
• Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary.

If you are a victim:

• Get help immediately.
• In an emergency dial 999 or 112.
• Make as much noise as you can to alert people.
• As soon as you can, go somewhere you know is safe.
• If you have been attacked, don't shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence.
• If you have the confidence, tell the police why you think you were attacked.
• If you have had your keys taken, ensure you change the locks.
• Don’t drink alcohol – you need to give a clear account of what happened.
• You can report to the police using the online reporting facility on this website (opens in new tab) . (You can report anonymously, although we'd prefer to be able to speak to you)
• If you want to pass information about offenders, you can contact Crimestoppers (opens in new tab) or call on 0800 555111.

If you are a witness:

• Call 999 or 112
• Let the police know what you've seen. Don't assume others will come forward. Many crucial witnesses walk away thinking someone else will report it.
• Stay alert and safe.
• Don’t physically intervene – you could get hurt yourself.
• If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, however, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence.
• Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on. If you don't have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your mobile phone or write a draft text message. As soon as you can find a pen and paper, write down the information in as much detail as possible.
• You can report to the police using the online reporting facility (opens in new tab) on this website. (You can report anonymously, although we'd prefer to be able to speak to you)
• If you want to pass information about offenders, you can contact Crimestoppers or call on 0800 555111.

Internet safety tips:

Here are some useful tips for keeping safe on the Internet:

• The Internet provides endless opportunities to meet people from all over the world. You must however remember to use common sense. It is easy to get swept-up into a fantasy world, but reality requires us to use caution.
• Do not give out personal details, photographs, or any other information that could be used to identify you, your family, or where you live.
• Do not take other people at face value - they may not be what they seem.
• Never arrange to meet someone you've only ever previously met on the Internet, without telling a friend and giving them as much detail as possible about the person that you're meeting and where.
• Do not open an attachment or download a file unless you know and trust the person who has sent it.
• Never respond directly to anything you find disturbing when using the Internet or email. Log off, and report it (opens in new tab) .