HATE crime in Chiltern and South Bucks will be under the spotlight from Monday when a new campaign launches.

The ‘Hate crime: so do we...’ campaign in partnership with Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council runs from Monday, May 19, until Friday, May 23.

The scheme will hopefully encourage people to report hate crime and to promote the help and support available to victims.

Hate crimes include physical attacks and threats of attack, including offensive letters or leaflets, and abusive or obscene telephone calls or gestures.

There were 77 hate crime offences in the Chiltern and South Bucks LPA in 2013/14. This compares to 83 in 2012/13 and 75 in 2011/12.

Neighbourhood Inspector Emma Burroughs said: “Incidents of hate crime in Chiltern and South Bucks are relatively uncommon compared with other areas but hate crime often goes unreported.

“We would encourage anyone to report hate crime even if you were not the target but witness an incident. If you don’t report it, the offender may commit similar crimes.

“Victims may not know who to speak to or may be afraid to come forward if they think they may not be taken seriously. The Victim Care Unit support line provides an important extra way for victims to seek support and advice in addition to contacting Thames Valley Police.”

In addition to the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number 101 and the emergency 999 number, the campaign raises awareness of a new support line run by the Victim Care Unit.

Victims of hate crime can contact the Victim Care Unit on 0845 38 99 528, by emailing supportline@victimsupport.org.uk or visiting the Victim Support website www.victimsupport.org.uk.

Neighbourhood police officers will be offering information and advice at the following events:

  • The Well, Burnham Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 20, from 10.30am until 11.30am.
  • St Andrew's Church coffee shop, Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges, on Friday, May 23 from 11am until 11.30am.
  • High Street, Chesham on Wednesday, June 4 at 11am until 1pm.