Police and crime commissioner joins officers tackling hate crime in Chorley workplaces
Operation Hail supports victims of hate crime at work
Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner has joined officers visiting businesses in Chorley town centre to see how victims of hate crime in the workplace are being supported.
Commissioner Clive Grunshaw went out with police during Hate Crime Awareness Week as part of Operation Hail.
The operation sees police and employers work together to support victims of hate crime at work.
Officers visited business premises to talk to employees about the operation.
They explained what counts as a hate crime and how staff can report it, share evidence and seek support.
Mr Grunshaw was joined by local PCSOs.
Together they visited a selection of the types of businesses supported through Operation Hail, including takeaways, retailers and pubs.
Outreach work also sees officers speak to employers about how they can support staff who have been a victim of hate crime.
What is Operation Hail?
Operation Hail was launched in 2024.
It is working to make sure hate crime is identified, and to make clear that hate should never be part of the job.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week is a week of action in the UK.
It encourages authorities, key partners in the business and voluntary sectors, and communities affected by hate crime to work together to tackle it locally.
Reaction
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: "It was great to see Operation Hail in action, gaining a deeper insight into the community engagement that always needs to be at the heart of tackling crime, with hate crime being no exception."
Mr Grunshaw said: "Hate crime is completely unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it here in Lancashire. These crimes create division and cause lasting harm to individuals, their families and friends, and entire communities."
Mr Grunshaw said: "All too often, we see the tragic consequences that hate crime has. I continue backing Lancashire Police to tackle those responsible for these offences and send a clear message that harassment and bigotry in any form, targeting any group, have no place here."
Mr Grunshaw said: "It's important that anyone affected can get the support they need, regardless of whether they have reported their experience to the police, so they can move forward with their lives. Victim Care Lancashire, which I fund alongside a range of support for victims of crime, is there to help."
Prevention Inspector Jon Cisco said: "Hate crime has no place in any workplace. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected when they come to work, regardless of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity."
Inspector Cisco said: "Through Operation Hail, we are encouraging people to speak up, supporting those who experience hate, and making it clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated. By working together to challenge prejudice and promote inclusion, we can help create workplaces where everyone feels able to be themselves and thrive."