Bedfordshire Police is joining forces with a national charity to combat hate crime.

Stop Hate UK provides a third party reporting service across six diversities – age, disability, gender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation.

The charity provides access to trained staff 24/7 who can give support, help, and advice and allows members of the public to report any incidents.

The charity will be working closely with the police as well as the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships together with voluntary agencies.

The initiative, which begins in Bedfordshire today, has worked elsewhere to improve hate crime reporting and has increased support to victims and increased public confidence.

Leading the initiative, Insp James Goldsmith said: "Hate crimes happen because of hostility, prejudice or hatred of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

"We hope working with Stop Hate UK will encourage people to come forward to talk about what is happening to them and highlight any concerns.

"This information will be used by Bedfordshire Police and other agencies to accurately focus our efforts on reducing and preventing hate crime while providing the necessary support to victims."

Rose Simkins from Stop Hate UK, said: "We want to stop people suffering in silence."

Email and access Stop Hate UK online www.stophateuk.org
or call the 24-hour helpline
0800 138 1625 or text 07717 989 015.

Contact Bedfordshire Police direct to talk to an officer in confidence about hate crime on 01234 841212, or text 07786 200011.