Wiltshire Police urging people to report hate crimes
Incidents have risen during the pandemic
Last updated 15th Feb 2021
Wiltshire residents living with abuse or hate crime are being asked to stand up to their tormentor by reporting any incidents to police.
Wiltshire Police say they have a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and say behaviour like this is "unacceptable".
The force is using LGBT+ History Month to make people living with hate crime aware that it isn't acceptable at any time, but particularly not in a 'lockdown' situation.
There was a 62% rise across the country in hate crime referrals to Victim Support last summer, compared to the same period the year before.
The majority involving sexual orientation, race or nationality.
Wiltshire's numbers rose by just 3% by Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said just because the increase was smaller here, it did not make them any less acceptable:
"Lockdown and restricted movement has impacted on everyone's civil liberties.
But imagine if that also meant that you were unable to escape any abuse that was directed at you for your gender or sexual orientation, things you are unable to have any control over, and how acutely that impact would be felt.
Feelings of being trapped within a home, of no escape from abusive behaviour, scared to even sit in your own garden is not how anyone should be made to live. Behind every crime there is a victim, another human being, and incidents such as these can leave a life-long lasting impact.
All forms of hate crime are completely unacceptable and the Force will do all it can to investigate reports and ensure those who carry them out are appropriately dealt with."
Victims of these kinds of incidents can call 101 to report it, or use Wiltshire Police's online tool.