Stop Hate Crime

What is hate crime?

A hate crime is defined as any criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on:

• Race or perceived race
• Religion or perceived religion
• Sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation
• Disability or perceived disability
• Transgender identity or perceived transgender identity

A hate incident is any non-criminal incident that the victim — or anyone else — believes was motivated by prejudice related to the same characteristics.

What are the different types of hate crime?

Any criminal offence can be classified as a hate crime if it involves hostility or prejudice based on the protected characteristics above. Examples include:

• Physical assault
• Verbal abuse
• Criminal damage to property or possessions
• Harassment
• Murder
• Sexual assault
• Theft, fraud, or burglary
• Hate mail (Malicious Communications Act 1988)
• Causing harassment, alarm, or distress (Public Order Act 1986)
• Online abuse (e.g. on Facebook or X)
• Displaying or distributing discriminatory literature or posters
• Graffiti
• Arson

What is West Mercia Police doing to tackle hate crime?

We understand the profound impact hate crime can have, which is why we have a dedicated team of Hate Crime Officers across our service.

These officers not only support victims but also provide training to our frontline colleagues, ensuring they respond with sensitivity, understanding, and professionalism.

In addition, our team of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) regularly visit local schools and community centres to deliver presentations and talks. They help raise awareness about what constitutes a hate crime and how individuals can report it safely and confidently.

#StopHateCrime with Olympian Boxer Delicious Orie

As part of our ongoing #StopHateCrime campaign, we recently partnered with former Olympian and Team GB boxer Delicious Orie to create a powerful awareness video. His involvement has helped us connect with younger audiences, sparking important conversations about what hate crime is, why it matters, and how to report it.

Please note: The Victim Advice has been replaced by Victim Support, who can offer victims of hate crime free and confidential support.