Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 30 October 2021

A BOROUGH COUNCIL-led partnership held a stall on Upper Castle Street in Hinckley, where they encouraged town-goers to report any hate crimes that they may experience or witness.

The special stall was held on the last day of Hate Crime Awareness Week (16 October).

The awareness week runs from 9 October to 16 October, and aims to raise awareness of hate crimes and make clear to people that ‘there is no place for hate’.

A hate crime takes place when somebody is targeted because of a difference or a perceived difference.

In attendance was the Borough Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, Coun. Michael Mullaney, Leicestershire Police’s Hate Crime Officer Isla Dixon, a Hinckley Police officer, Council officer Lindsay Orton, and Mathew Hulbert, who represents Hinckley and Bosworth True Colours’ LGBT+ event partnership.

Coun. Mullaney, said: “It was good to join representatives from the police, Council and community group on the stall.

“Sadly, there’s been a rise in hate crimes recently and I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of one to report it.”

Mr. Hulbert, said: “I was pleased to represent the ‘True Colours’ group at the stall.

“Sadly, the number of hate crimes against LGBT+ people has risen in recent years, so National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important opportunity to restate once again that there is no place for hate in our society. Communities must be safe for all.”