Commissioner thanks residents for Hate Crime survey responses

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, has thanked the public for taking part in his Hate Crime survey.

The survey aimed to gather the public’s knowledge and experience of hate crime, which historically an under-reported crime. The Commissioner will review the responses and work alongside Cheshire Constabulary to improve the policing response to this kind of incident.

The survey asked respondents for how safe from hate crime they felt in their area, their awareness of reporting options for hate incidents and what characteristics may make someone a target of hate crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

“I am really grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to my Hate Crime survey. In my Police and Crime Plan I talk about tackling hate crime within my priority of ‘protecting vulnerable and at-risk people’. I will be using the findings of my survey to understand the impact of hate crime and how to encourage victims to come forward.”

The Commissioner visited various events throughout 2022, including Chester Pride and Warrington MELA, to speak with Cheshire’s communities about their experiences of hate crime and to encourage them to fill out the survey. 

Assistant Chief Constable, Bill Dutton, said:

“I welcome this survey and thank people for taking the time to respond. I look forward to working with the Police and Crime Commissioner and his team to see how we can further improve our collective understanding of hate crime in our communities.

 “It’s vital that everyone – whether a police officer or a member of the public – understand what hate crime is and the harm that it can do to victims. It’s disgraceful that people are still targeted simply for being who they are.

“If you are a victim of hate crime you can be assured that your report will be taken seriously, you will be supported, and the matter will be investigated. Please don’t suffer in silence.”

John Dwyer added:

“Hate Crime is abhorrent and has no place in our communities and I want victims to know that there is support in place for those who need it. I work closely with the charity Remedi and they have been commissioned to deliver a Hate Crime service to victims across Cheshire, where trained specialist practitioners provide emotional and practical support to help victims cope and recover.”

There are various ways to report hate crime, including through third-party reporting centres if you don’t feel confident in speaking to the police.

There are more details on making a report on the Cheshire Police website: 

www.cheshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime

The results for the Commissioner’s hate crime survey are available on the website here: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/have-your-say/outcomes-and-results/