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Report hate crime in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire County Council stands firmly against all forms of hate crime and is committed to supporting anyone who experiences or witnesses it. Everyone in Gloucestershire has the right to feel safe, valued and respected.

Need Help Right Now?

  • Emergency: Call 999
  • Non-emergency: Call 101
  • Victim Support: 0808 16 89 111
  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
  • Stop Hate UK: 0800 138 1625

What is Hate Crime?

A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s:

  • Disability (or perceived disability)
  • Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
  • Religion or belief (or lack of belief)
  • Sexual orientation (or perceived sexual orientation)
  • Transgender identity (or perceived transgender identity)

Hate crimes can include:

  • Physical attacks or assault
  • Verbal abuse, insults or threats
  • Harassment or intimidation
  • Damage to property or vehicles
  • Offensive graffiti
  • Hate mail or abusive phone calls
  • Online abuse via social media or email

If you or anyone else believes the incident was motivated by prejudice, it should be reported, even if you’re unsure whether it’s a crime.

Why Report Hate Crime?

Reporting makes a difference to you, to others in your community, and to Gloucestershire as a whole.

When you report hate crime:

  • You help prevent it happening to someone else
  • You enable the police and partners to understand the extent of hate crime in your area
  • You can access support services to help you cope with what happened
  • You help build a complete picture that leads to better responses and prevention
  • You send a clear message that hate has no place in Gloucestershire

No hate crime is too minor to report. Even if you’re not sure whether something counts as a hate crime, report it. Witnesses are vital, your report can be a voice for victims who often don’t report incidents themselves.

Witnesses are vital. Research shows that victims of hate crime often don’t report what happened. If you’ve witnessed a hate incident or crime, your report can be a voice for that victim and help protect your community.

How to Report Hate Crime

There are several ways to report hate crime in Gloucestershire. Choose the option that feels most comfortable for you.

Report to the Police

In an emergency or if a crime is in progress:
  • Call 999 immediately

Non-emergencies:

Report Online via True Vision

True Vision is a national police-funded website that allows you to report hate crime online, anonymously if you prefer.

Website: www.report-it.org.uk

Report Anonymously via Crimestoppers

Report to Your Housing Provider

If you’re a social housing tenant and the hate crime involves your housing or neighbourhood, you can also report it to your housing provider.

Third Party Reporting

If you don’t feel comfortable reporting directly to the police, you can ask someone to report on your behalf:

  • A friend or family member
  • A support organisation
  • A third-party reporting centre

Support Services Available

You don’t have to report to the police to get support. Help is available whether or not you decide to make a formal report.

Victim Support

Stop Hate UK

Community-Specific Support Services

Local Support in Gloucestershire

What Information to Provide When Reporting

Don’t worry if you don’t have all this information. Report what you know.

Checklist:

  • Date, time, location
  • Description of what happened
  • Details of offender(s)
  • Evidence (photos, screenshots, CCTV)

What Happens After You Report

If you report to the police:

  • You’ll get an incident reference number
  • Police will assess and may contact you within 7 days
  • Investigation may lead to prosecution or other interventions

If you report to a third party:

  • They can report to the police on your behalf
  • They’ll help you access support services

Gloucestershire County Hate Crime and Incident Strategic Group

Hate crime doesn’t just affect individuals, it impacts whole communities. Tackling it requires a partnership approach.

The Gloucestershire Hate Crime and Incident Strategic Group brings together:

  • Police and law enforcement
  • Local authorities
  • Health services
  • Voluntary and community organisations
  • Education providers
  • Victim support services

This partnership ensures a joined-up approach to prevention, support, and enforcement across Gloucestershire.

Remember: Hate crime is never acceptable. Everyone in Gloucestershire deserves to feel safe, respected and valued. If you experience or witness hate crime, report it. Your report can make a difference.