Hate Crime

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

Silent Suffering 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.

What Can We Do For You?

Helping victims of hate crime Surrey Police has designated Hate Crime officers in each of the divisions. They are there to help you in all ways:

Give advice - It's not always easy to know if what has happened to you is a crime. It's our job to help you identify what has taken place and make sure that appropriate action is taken. With your consent, we can put you in touch with local support organisations.

Protect you - If appropriate, we will arrest the suspect at the time and protect you from further harm. If that's not possible, we will do all we can to find them. With your wishes taken into account, we will decide what to do with them.

Give you guidance - We'll talk you through all the procedures so that you know what you're being asked to do, and why. For example, we'll probably want you to give a statement explaining what happened. And if you have to go to court, we can explain the court process and let you know what will be expected of you.

How can you make a report?

You can come into any police station in Surrey, or one of us can visit you at home. You can talk to us directly or ask someone to speak on your behalf - maybe a friend, relative, community leader, solicitor, or someone from your local authority.

No matter who we talk to, whatever you or anyone else tells about what happened to you will be treated confidentially, sensitively and appropriately.

Crime Reporting

Report a Hate Crime

This may include an offence motivated by hostility, prejudice and hatred on the grounds of race, religion, faith or belief, disability, gender and sexuality.

Report a non urgent or minor crime

This allows you to report the following types of crime to Surrey Police; theft, theft from a motor vehicle, criminal damage/vandalism.

Useful Links

If you'd like further information on or help with Personal Safety, please check out some of the links below:

Leaflets and Information

Image of reading glasses The Home Office web site offers information on a variety of Crime Reduction matters, including statistics, policies, advice and published material.

Security Systems ACPO Policy

Security Systems Policy
(PDF download - 417kb)
Appendix A
(PDF download - 40kb)

The Police Response to Security Systems form is for registering an alarm system with Surrey Police.

Hate Crime - Crime Prevention - Surrey Police

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