Hate crime

Hate crime and incidents are acts that are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's:

  • race
  • religion
  • sexual orientation
  • disability
  • transgender identity

For more information about hate crime, visit the Essex Police website.

It's important to report both hate crimes and hate incidents to help agencies address and prevent these acts.

Report hate crime

Hate crime in any form is inexcusable. By reporting hate crime, you can get help and support if you need it. 

There are several ways to report a hate crime. You should report it in whichever way you are most comfortable with.

Report to Essex Police

You can report hate crime directly to Essex Police. This will help you to gain the support you may need and to create a clear picture for your local area. You can report to Essex Police by:

  • completing their quick and easy online form
  • visiting a nearby police station to talk to an officer in person
  • calling 101 if it is not an emergency
  • calling 999 if a crime is in progress, a life is in danger or violence is being used or threatened

Report to Harlow Council

As a council, we meet regularly with other partners in the town such as the police's Victim Support and Youth Offending Team on Harlow Hate Crimes Panel.

The panel works to organise support for victims, prevent future crimes, and bring offenders to justice.

Report hate crime

To report hate crime to us, you will need:

  • the date and time of the incident
  • the location of the incident
  • a description of the incident
  • a photo of the incident (if you have one)
  • any details you have of the perpetrator
  • whether you reported the incident to the police
  • your name, address and contact number

Once we receive your hate crime report, we will:

  • acknowledge your referral within 3 working days
  • carry out an initial assessment of your referral within 10 working days

Report to an independent agency

The following organisations can help you to report hate crime and offer you support:

True Vision allows you to report without visiting a police station.

Crimestoppers allows you to provide information anonymously.

Stop Hate UK is a national charity offering a free, anonymous, 24/7 reporting and information line.