This week marks National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and across Rochdale, residents are being urged to speak up and take action.
Greater Manchester Police say hate crime can take many forms: physical attacks, harassment, threats, property damage, all motivated by prejudice around race, religion, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Officers are out in the community, visiting schools, town centres and even making 10,000 visits to local places of worship, encouraging people to report incidents and voice concerns.
GMP’s hate crime lead, Superintendent Mike Russell, said: “No one should be fearful of stepping out their front door. Hate crime is underreported, and we need your help to change that.”
If you’ve experienced or witnessed hate crime, you can:
- Call GMP on 101
- Use Live Chat at gmp.police.uk
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Hate has no place in Rochdale, and reporting it could be the first step to making someone feel safe again.
