THERE has been shock at a startling 21.8 per cent rise in reports of hate crime in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, from 2,371 hate crimes to 2,888, from July 2021 to July 31, 2022.

It is believed that the increase in reports of hate crime may partly be due to victims having greater confidence to step forward and report.

Devon and Cornwall Police is reminding its communities and visitors that the Force continues to take a zero tolerance approach to hate crime at the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The aim of the week, which runs from Saturday, October 8 to Saturday, October 15, is to raise awareness of hate crime and to encourage victims to report offences, as well as those who witness it.

Hate crime is defined as any criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race; religion/belief; sexual orientation; disability, or because they are transgender.

Devon and Cornwall Police also record hate crimes where hostility based on sex or gender is a motivating factor.

It says that all reports to police will be investigated and appropriate support will be provided to victims of crime.

The Force adds that there are also third-party reporting services available which allow hate crimes to be reported anonymously.

It says that the important thing is that hate crimes are being reported which allows the police and partner agencies a better understanding of the true extent of hate crime in our communities.

Devon and Cornwall Police’s Hate Crime Lead, Superintendent Antony Hart, said: “We have a zero tolerance to hate crime policy.

“We have teams dedicated to supporting victims of hate crime and are committed to working with all of our communities, including our seldom heard groups, to send out a very strong message that hate crime simply will not be tolerated.

“We are encouraging everyone to come forward and report hate crime.

“You can do this by going online at: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/reporthc , or calling 101, SMS/Text 67101, minicom/textphone 18001 101 or Sign Live (via BSL interpreters).”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez said: “No-one should become the victim of a crime simply because of who they are.

“We’ve seen a significant rise in recorded hate crime in Devon and Cornwall in the past year, and I sincerely hope this is because victims have greater confidence in our police force.

“My message to anyone who has become a victim to a hate crime or witnessed one occurring is to report it to the force. It is considered a priority and will be dealt with.

“I would also encourage victims to reach out to the high-quality support services I commission.”

The Devon and Cornwall Victim Care Unit gives information and advice to anyone who has experienced crime in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

You can call the Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Textphone/Minicom Number: 18001 01392 475900

SMS/Text number: 67101 (for Deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired only)

If you want information and advice without getting the police involved, help and support is still available.

You can contact Victim Support, a charity and not part of the police on their 24/7 helpline: 0808 1689111, or live webchat at: www.victimsupport.org.uk .