Police and council stand discovers that just one fifth of Ely residents know what a hate crime is
Members of the public in Ely were given a lesson on what constitutes as hate crim at a stand set up in partnership with East Cambs District Council as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week. - Credit: Archant
Under a fifth of Ely residents knew constitutes as a hate crime was when asked by police this week.
A stand was set up in Ely Market Place in partnership with East Cambridgeshire District Council as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Special Constable Thomas Howard and others spoke to more than 100 people and only about 15 to 20 per cent of people knew what a hate crime was.
A police spokesman said: “We have a diverse community in Cambridgeshire and we recognise that everyone should be allowed to live their lives free from harassment and the fear of hate crime.
“We understand the effects hate crime can have on victims, their families and the wider community and because of that, we’re able to deal with hate crime issues and causes.
“It’s important to report hate crimes or incidents to us, whether you have been affected directly or have witnessed an incident. We understand you may feel the incident is too minor to bother the police with, however it’s important for us to know what has happened so we can help wipe out hate crime.”
