'There is no place for hate crime in Hounslow': Authorities and community join forces to tackle issue

Hounslow Council has been working with police and community groups to tackle hate crime

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Lois Swinnerton

05:00, 31 OCT 2017

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A number of events aimed at tackling hate crime have been held across the borough of Hounslow as part of national Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Information about how to report hate crime and how to seek support was provided to the public as Hounslow Council joined forces with police and community groups, from October 16 until October 20.

Their message "There is no place for hate crime in Hounslow" was reinforced at the University of West London's Brentford campus, where people were provided with information at a pop-up LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer) stall.

Members of the Speak Out disability charity, which work with adults with learning difficulties in Hounslow, were sharing advice at a disability awareness forum at the Civic Centre in Lampton Road.

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"Our message is simple, to those who carry out despicable crimes of hate, we won’t stand for it and we will take action to protect all sections of our community enforce the necessary action against you," said Councillor Hanif Khan, Cabinet member for community protection at Hounslow Council.

Deputy Mayor of Hounslow Cllr Mukesh Malhotra attends the multi-faith event at Montague Hall with local police and other community leaders (Image: Hounslow Council)

Cllr Khan added: "The aim of an event such as Hate Crime Awareness Week is also to speak to all our communities in the borough as they all have a part to play in making it a safe and great place to live, work, go to school and to visit.

"It is about how we can help prevent these crimes taking place by all talking to each other.

"For me it’s also personal as I value Hounslow’s diversity and I am proud that our communities live and work together very well.

"Residents with different faiths and beliefs respect each other and as a result we can share each in each other’s lives.

"We do however need to strengthen community cohesion and enforce the message that Hounslow does not tolerate attacks, extremism or anti-social behaviour."

You can report hate crime to the police, Crimestoppers and to Hounslow Council (Image: Hounslow Council)

The Deputy Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Mukesh Malhotra, attended a multi-faith event at Montague Hall where community groups gathered to hear information about where those experiencing hate crime as a result of their background, culture and faith, can go for guidance and support.

Shoppers were also provided with information at stalls in The Treaty Centre and at Barclays Bank in High Street, Hounslow.

For more information or to report a hate crime, head to Hounslow Council's website.

Hate crime can take a number of different forms, from verbal and physical abuse to graffiti, criminal damage to a person's property or online and social media abuse.

You can report hate crime by calling the police on 101 for non-emergencies or 999 in an emergency, by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by speaking to a Hounslow Council hate crime officer by calling 020 8583 2464.