Dyfed Powys Police will show its support and commitment to the National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 12-16) by raising awareness within its’ communities as to what a hate crime or incident is and also, how the same can be reported.

Hate crime can destroy lives, instil fear and can break down the fabric of our communities and neighbourhoods. Hate crime affects all communities and if not tackled can lead to the isolation and victimisation of individuals and vulnerable groups along with the polarisation of communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Liane James said: “Hate crimes are crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity. I would like to reassure our communities that offences and incidents of this nature are treated in confidence and in a robust manner to ensure we safeguard our communities together.

“Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing, frightening and can leave victims feeling vulnerable and insecure. A victim does not have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

“I would like to reassure our communities that by reporting crimes and incidents when they happen, it allows us to investigate, bring offenders to justice and prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help us to understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so we can better respond to it.

“Reporting hate crime makes a difference - to you, your friends, your life and to us in Dyfed Powys Police.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon said: “Nobody should have to suffer in silence; I urge victims to report hate crime.

“If you are the victim of hate crime, it’s not your fault - you have the right to live free from abuse and violence.”

During the week, officers will be out an about in the community and speaking to the public to raise awareness of hate crime.

For further information, please visit our website http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/advice/hate-crime/

Victims are encouraged not to suffer in silence but to report hate crime by speaking to neighbourhood policing teams or via the 101 non-emergency number or 999 during an emergency.

Victims can also report electronically on the True Vision reporting system - www.report-it.org.uk