We were invited to GMP's Head Quarters to be updated on the progress made in the last twelve months.
We are pleased to learn they have recorded 14 hate crimes and 7 hate incidents against people from Alternative Subcultures.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Hate crime is a blight on communities, and in some cases tragically costs lives. We work with many organisations to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how victims can be supported, and encourage all communities to challenge and report it.
“Over the last 12 months, people in Greater Manchester have not had to tolerate hate crime simply for expressing their alternative sub-culture identities, and we hope they now feel more reassured that we are committed to tackling this issue, and to dealing firmly with offenders.
“Our officers now have much better awareness of all types of hate crime, and so we can offer improved support to victims and assess more accurately the potential for repeat offending.”
Sylvia Lancaster is heartened that other police forces have followed GMP’s lead in the wake of her daughter’s death.
She said: “I’d like to thank GMP and the other forces who are now taking the same firm approach to this type of offending. No one should have to tolerate abuse simply because they like certain clothing, make up or music, and I would urge young people to have the confidence to always be themselves and be proud of who they are.
“Hate crime often starts with insults but can easily escalate, and although you may think you are powerless, you aren’t, as you can always report it. If you’ve seen someone else being abused or physically attacked, don’t be a bystander – pick up the phone and tell police immediately.”
If you are a victim or witness a crime/incident please call 101 to report - (999 in an emergency) or report it here
In the last twelve months Suffolk, Essex, Durham, West Mercia and Warwickshire Police have also added Alternative Subculture to the strands they monitor.
