Merseyside Police joins with partners to tackle hate crime

This week Merseyside Police and partners proudly supported ‘Hate Crime Awareness Week’, reaffirming the collective commitment to building a safer, more inclusive Merseyside.  

Hate crimes are criminal acts driven by prejudice against a person’s disability, gender identity, race, religion, or sexual orientation. They can include incidents such as verbal abuse, offensive graffiti, damage to property or threats and physical violence – they all target individuals simply because of who they are. 

To ensure Hate Crime is effectively managed, recorded, and investigated across Merseyside, the force employs five dedicated Hate Crime Coordinators, one for each area. These coordinators offer expert guidance and support to victims and work closely with partner organisations to develop strategies aimed at preventing and reducing repeat offences.

The force also recognises that not all victims of hate crime seek police involvement or prosecution. So, to encourage wider organisational awareness and intervention, the coordinators regularly work with key partners and local authorities to equip more people with the knowledge and resources to challenge hate when it occurs. 

To support the week of action, the force has expanded this activity, delivering collaborative educational and training workshops in various primary schools, businesses, hospitals, and travel companies across Merseyside. 

Detective Chief Inspector Yoseph Al-Ramadhan, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, Merseyside Police, said:

“It has been incredibly encouraging to witness the breadth of activity that has been delivered across Merseyside this week. From art workshops and school assemblies to community walkabouts and radio interviews – it has been great to reach so many different audiences. 

“Raising awareness of hate crimes not only empowers individuals to report incidents but also reinforces our commitment to responding with sensitivity and providing meaningful support to victims.

“We strongly encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime or incident to report it. Every report helps us gather vital evidence, strengthen investigations, and ensure that those responsible are held to account.

“I am confident that by continuing to stand united against hate crime, we can prevent those who seek to spread fear and division within our communities.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said:

“Nobody should suffer fear, intimidation, and abuse simply because of who they are or the life they lead and even one victim of hate crime, is one too many.

“Hate Crime Awareness Week is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in challenging hate and standing up for one another.

“Across Merseyside, we’ve seen communities, schools, and organisations come together to send a clear message: hate has no home here. Through education, partnership, and support services like Victim Care Merseyside, we’re working to ensure every victim feels heard, supported, and safe.

“I’m proud of the work being done across our region, and I remain committed to building a Merseyside where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are.”

You can report a hate crime by: 

Telephone 24/7 on 0800 138 1625 

Webchat here.

Stop Hate UK hate crime reporting app available on App store and Google Play store. 

Anyone with any information on a hate crime in their area can contact police via Facebook and X at @MerPolCC, or call 101. You can also report information via their website: How to report hate crime | Merseyside Police or call 101.

As part of the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service, specialist support services are on hand to offer support if you’ve been affected by a hate crime. You can access this service either via the Victim Care website Home: Victim Care Merseyside or by calling freephone 0808 175 3080. 

If for any reason, you do not wish to speak to the police, you can contact the independent charity Stop Hate UK to report a crime and get advice. Stop Hate UK’s helpline is available 24 hours a day and is completely confidential. 

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