People in Suffolk urged to report hate crime during national awareness week
Police say offences can go under-reported and want victims and witnesses to come forward
Suffolk Constabulary is reaffirming its commitment to tackling hate crime and supporting victims across the county, as National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from until Saturday.
The week aims to raise awareness of what hate crime is and the harm it causes to victims and their families.
It also encourages reporting and promotes respect for all communities.
Police describe hate crime as an attack on people - physical, verbal and online - because of hostility or prejudice towards their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.
Hate Crime Lead at Suffolk Constabulary, Temporary Superintendent Shawn Wakeling, said: "Hate crime hurts and divides communities and we know that, for various reasons, offences can be under-reported. The awareness week gives us an opportunity to urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed hate crime to come forward and also to support understanding of what hate crime is."
He also said: "No one should feel unsafe or targeted because of who they are or what they believe."
Hate crime reports in Suffolk
There were 871 reports of hate crime in Suffolk between 1st October 2025 and 30th September 2026.
Police figures show 890 hate crimes were reported in 2023/24.
In 2022/23, 1,128 were reported, compared with 1,233 the year before.
Reports in Suffolk are predominantly based around race, which is in line with national trends.
What is happening during the week
Suffolk police is continuing its work with Community Safety Partnerships in Suffolk, Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care, Suffolk County Council and Crimestoppers.
Officers will take part in a range of activities across the county, including visiting schools and holding community engagement events.
Community policing teams will share details on local police social media pages.
Advice for people who witness hate crime
Hate crimes often take place in public, and police are offering advice to potential witnesses, reminding them their safety is a priority.
Watch and be a witness. Police say turning away gives the message to the offender that their behaviour is normal and acceptable.
Observe and pay attention to what is happening, including the description of the offender, where you are and what time it is, so you have the best information when you report it.
Tell security, staff or other people who might be able to help.
Once you are in a safe space, report what you saw as a witness directly to police online or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Police also say people should check whether the victim needs help, even after the event.
That can include offering to call someone for them, and letting them know about the support available and how to report it themselves.
Police and Crime Commissioner's message
Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, said: "Hate crime is a despicable crime and there is no excuse whatsoever for such behaviour in any circumstance. It will not be tolerated."
He also said: "I would encourage anyone affected by hate crime to please report it as soon as possible. Doing so will help police best support victims, ensure resources are put to best use and bring offenders to justice, when I trust if they are found guilty a suitably stiff sentence or sanction is made."
Mr Passmore said: "If victims do not feel able to report it to police, there is a range of other local support available."
He added: "A key part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner is to fund important services, voluntary groups and projects to reduce crime, keep local people safe and ensure their voices are heard. We are committed to ensuring our communities feel safe and can live without fear or intimidation."
How to report hate crime
Hate crime can be reported directly to Suffolk Constabulary online, or anonymously through True Vision.
People who prefer to speak to someone can call 101.
Police say people should always call 999 when life is threatened or people are injured, if a crime is in progress, or if an immediate police response is necessary.
Support for victims and witnesses
Anyone who has been a victim of or witness to a hate crime and needs support can contact Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care.
The service offers advice and support to help people cope and recover from the impact of crime.
It doesn't matter how long ago the crime happened or whether it has been reported.