Norfolk’s leaders warn hate crimes will not be tolerated

Norfolk’s civic leaders today warned there will be zero tolerance for hate crimes in the county following the results of the European Union referendum.

Nationally there has been a rise in reported hate crimes since last Thursday’s EU referendum.  The spike in national reports is believed to have been be fuelled by the result of the EU referendum and has led Norfolk’s leaders to warn hate crimes will not be tolerated in our communities.

Chief Inspector David Buckley, Community Safety lead for Norfolk Constabulary, said: "We want to reassure our communities that while we have only seen a small number of reports, hate crime will not be tolerated in any form.  What was considered a hate crime last week will still be considered a hate crime this week and officers and staff will do everything within their powers to bring those who commit such crimes before the courts.

“We will always respond robustly to any such incidents and we strongly encourage anyone who thinks they may have experienced or witnessed hate crime to report it by calling the police on 101, or in an emergency, always dial 999.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green said: “As Norfolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner I will not tolerate any form of hate crime. I am personally working closely within our communities to ensure that minority groups feel reassured, and that we will deal robustly with any individuals or groups committing hate related crime.”

Alan Waters, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “We in Norwich are proud of our diverse and multi-racial heritage, which we regard as a source of cultural, social and economic strength. We will work vigorously to combat all forms of racism in Norwich and to enshrine the principle that individuality and universality are the foundations of justice and peace."

Cliff Jordan, Leader of Norfolk County Council said: “Norfolk has a history of welcoming people from abroad. All forms of hate crime are unacceptable and they will not be tolerated here. Hatred can only ever damage communities and undermines the safety and wellbeing of all our residents across our county. Everyone has a right to feel safe and confident about who they are.”

The Union of UEA Students said: “We are proud of the diverse campus community at UEA and want to reassure all our members that we have a zero tolerance policy toward all forms of hate crime. We want to reassure our campus community that we believe no person should experience hate crime for accessing education and that we will continue to focus our work on fighting xenophobia and liberating our campus.”

Professor David Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia said: “Some of the brightest and the best from all over the world come to UEA and study and work in Norwich. The city and the county have always been welcoming and I’m sure that will continue to be the case. If our staff or students experience any form of hatred it will be not tolerated and action will be taken.”

• If anyone thinks they may have experienced or witnessed hate crime they should report it by calling the police on 101, or using the True Vision website report-it.org.uk, where you can also find advice about staying safe. In an emergency, always dial 999.