Race and gay hate crime on increase across county
Last updated at 11:21, Monday, 19 September 2011
THE number of hate crimes across Cumbria increased last year with a rising number of people being targeted over their sexuality.
Figures released by the Association of Police Officers show 275 hate crimes were recorded by the constabulary last year compared with 247 the previous 12 months.
A breakdown show 180 of the incidents in Cumbria were over race, 49 for sexuality, 19 for transgender, 18 for disability and 19 for faith issues.
Nationally hate crimes fell from 51,920 in 2009 to 48,127 last year.
A spokesman for Cumbria police said: “Hate crime is not acceptable in any form, and we would continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of hate crime to report this to the police.
“Cumbria Constabulary is committed to reducing the under-reporting of hate crime and the increase can be taken as a positive indicator that more people have the confidence to report incidents of hate crime.
“We should not become complacent in our efforts to encourage those who can be victims of hate crime to come forward, we have a vast network of third party reports centres, where people can report hate crime in a environment which is familiar to them.
“Cumbria Constabulary will strive to lead the way in promoting a diverse community for all who those who wish to live, work and visit.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Targeting a person or a group based on their disability, gender identity, race, religion or sexual orientation is unacceptable, and tackling hate crime is an issue the government takes very seriously.
“For the first time police forces are recording hate crime data centrally.
“This will help the police to target resources more effectively and better protect victims, because everyone should have the freedom to live their lives without fear of targeted hostility or harassment.”
Separate figures released from the Home Office show the number of racist incidents in Cumbria was 219 in 2010/11 compared with 213 in 2009/10.
First published at 13:11, Monday, 12 September 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
.
wbrown. . .
View all 6 comments on this article
Have your say
I don't know Matt, you tell me.
As far as I'm aware Justice is supposed to be blind.
Hence the blindfold on the statue above the London law courts.I.e. 'A crime is a crime is a crime.
Posted by wbrown on 21 February 2012 at 00:33