OFFICERS will be taking part in a week of action to help stop hate crime in Wirral.

This week, Merseyside Police is supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week, a week of action to encourage communities to come together to help eliminate hate crime.

Hate crime can involve people being targeted based on their disability, gender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation.

Detective Superintendent Cheryl Rhodes said: “Merseyside has a reputation for being a welcoming, friendly place and there is no place here for hate crime. Everybody has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and so we will not tolerate hate crime in any form.

“Our officers and team of dedicated hate crime co-ordinators work tirelessly to provide support to victims of hate crime, investigate such incidences and find those responsible, bringing them to justice.

“I am pleased to report that Merseyside has seen a 10% decrease in Hate Crime reports for the last six months compared to the same period last year. That being said however, hate crime is still very much an ongoing issue, so I would still urge for anyone who believes they have been subjected to abuse or left in fear because of who they are to come forward and let us know. We have the support available and we will take action against those responsible.”

In Wirral, the dedicated hate crime coordinator for the area will be supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner and other council representatives, who will be conducting a multi-agency ‘Walkabout’ in the town centre of Birkenhead giving out crime prevention and Hate crime advice; as well as visiting the ‘Lauries Community Centre’ in Birkenhead to offer ‘Hate’ and ‘Prevent’ advice to new members of staff who come into regular contact with immigrants and refugees.

The coordinators also work with their local authorities, education providers, travel companies and businesses to provide the tools and resources to encourage them to call out and challenge hate when they see it.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Tackling hate crime is a priority for me and National Hate Crime Awareness Week gives us all the opportunity to highlight the real damage that hatred and prejudice can inflict on individuals and communities, whilst also providing us with a platform to celebrate the rich diversity that exists across Merseyside.

“Crimes motivated by hate have no place in our region and they will not be tolerated, so I’m pleased to come together with our partners to send out the message – loud and clear – that Merseyside is inclusive and welcomes all. It is home to people of all races and faiths, of all sexual orientations and genders and to people of all abilities, and our communities are enriched as a result.

“Sadly, we know that if stereotypes and hate-fuelled attitudes are allowed to fester and are not tackled at the earliest stage they can lead to very serious crimes that can have devastating consequences on many lives.

“Despite the pain and suffering that hate crime inflicts, we know most people who are targeted still do not report it.  That’s why we’re determined to raise awareness of the issue and I would encourage anyone affected to have the confidence to speak out."

If you have witnessed a hate crime, or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101.