Hate crime is a criminal offence, committed against a person or property, which is motivated by the offender's hate against people because of their sex, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. A victim of hate crime does not have to be either a member of a minority or someone who is, for some reason, considered vulnerable. It hardly needs stating that this is a particularly repugnant form of crime due to the distress it causes both victims and the wider community. And all too often these sorts of crimes go unreported, sometimes as a result of the fear and intimidation created by offenders, but also because it's not always easy to realise that it is a crime. Every crime is different If someone shouts abuse across the street about your physical disability, or sends hate mail because of your religion or sexual orientation, is that a crime? If your partner bullies you at home, do they actually have to physically hurt you before it becomes a crime? Just what is the real affect of racist graffiti sprayed on the side of a house? Surrey Police are committed to tackling this, as with any other, type of crime. It is difficult to police, but by using concerted joint efforts it is possible to overcome and defeat the instigators. It's not just about individual arrests. Broad action across society can change attitudes and put racism, homophobia and other group hatreds beyond the limits of acceptability. Hate offences are incredibly hurtful, the affects of an incident that lasts a few moments can be felt for a lifetime. Hate crime should not, and must not, be tolerated.

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Please view the following Victims of Crime information sheet (PDF format) created by Criminal Justice System aimed to provide support and advice to victims of crime.