Croydon Council is encouraging everyone to take a stand against hate crime and to sign its new anti-hate crime pledge, which is to launch at Croydon PrideFest this weekend.
The borough’s fourth PrideFest, takes place on Saturday 13 from 12-10pm in Wandle Park.
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities
“Hate crime can include offences against people because of their sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, gender, gender identity or religious belief.
“There is no place for any form of hate crime here and Croydon Pride is an ideal opportunity to launch this important campaign.
“I want everyone to sign our pledge – whether you are part of an organisation, including businesses, community groups, voluntary or private sector, or someone that lives, works in or visits the borough.”
The campaign aims to raise awareness of hate offences, and to encourage more people to take a stand against them and report these crimes.
The goal is to strengthen our community and to make Croydon a safer and even more welcoming, inclusive borough.
Reporting for vulnerable groups, such as those with a disability, and those from the LGBT+ community has been declining for several years, despite the spike of incidents after Brexit.
The police, together with all the many partners that are working to reduce hate crime, are keen to increase confidence in people reporting their concerns.
If you feel you are being targeted in any way because of this offence, please tell the police, as officers can then gain a greater understanding of the issues people are facing and can respond effectively.
If matters go unreported the police and partners cannot act quickly to deal with these crimes or to give support.
To sign the pledge please visit www.croydon.gov.uk/saynotohate
To find out more about hate crime, and to report a hate crime, please see https://www.met.police.uk/true-vision-report-hate-crime/. You can also call 101, or 999 in an emergency
