New specialist hate crime reporting centre opens

Ben Jolley

Published: 11:27 AM June 12, 2017

Updated: 11:33 AM November 1, 2020

Police and Crime Commissioner, Councillor Jason Ablewhite - Credit: Archant

A new centre has been set up in Peterborough where people can report hate crime.

Bayard Place in the city centre, which is shared by Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire Constabulary, is now a third party reporting centre.

Specially trained staff are available to take reports of hate crime and guide people through their options.

It is an alternative for people who do not feel confident in reporting directly to the police.

PC Tiff Lane, the force’s hate crime co-ordinator, said: “Everyone should be allowed to live free from harassment and the fear of crime.

“We appreciate this type of incident can be confusing and frightening for victims, their families and the wider community.

“We also understand people don’t always think they should or can report it. But by reporting, you may be able to prevent it happening again to yourself or maybe to someone else.

“Reporting can make a real difference to the victim, their friends and the community.”

Jawaid Khan, community cohesion manager for Peterborough City Council, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community, so I am pleased this new centre will make it easier for people who have experienced hate crime to talk about it with someone who can listen and advise on what can be done to help them.

“There is no need for anyone to suffer in silence. Even if you don’t feel ready to report it to the police, you can now speak to specially trained staff at Bayard Place who will be able to help.”

A hate crime is defined as any criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate against a person’s race, religion or belief, disability (physical, mental ill health and learning), gender Identity or sexual orientation.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite said: “It is very important that people report this type of crime and this new centre gives people an extra option in how to go about it.

“I encourage victims and witnesses of hate crime to come forward without fear - you will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner I am committed to ensuring this crime is taken seriously and responded to.”

People can report hate crime by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency, or via the Cambridgeshire Constabulary website. Alternatively, if people would prefer not to go directly to the police, they can report incidents online via the third party reporting scheme True Vision. This can be accessed via www.report-it.org.uk

There are also third party reporting centres at:

Wisbech

Centre 33 - Young Carers Group, Queen Mary Centre.

Citizens Advice, 8-9 Church Mews, PE13 1HL

Job Centre Plus

FDC One Stop Shop (Wisbech@yourservice shop), 2-3 Bridge St, PE13 1AF

The Ferry Project, Octavia View, 10a - 14 South Brink, PE13 1JQ

New Vision Fitness Centre (The Hudson), Harecroft Rd, PE13 1RL

Oasis Centre, Wisbech Community Development Trust, Oasis Community Centre, St Michaels Avenue, PE13 3NR

ROSMINI centre, 69a Queens Rd, PE13 2PH

Town Council, 1 North Brink, PE13 1JR

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