Report a hate crime or incident

All hate crimes and incidents should be reported. By reporting incidents, you will enable the police, local councils, housing associations etc to build up patterns of behaviour locally, and highlight areas of concern within your community.

But more importantly, you can get the support you may need and help ensure that offenders are brought to justice and cannot to the same to other people.

Why should I report hate crime?

Hate crimes and incidents hurt; they can be confusing and frightening.

By reporting them when they happen to you, you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else. You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

Reporting makes a difference - to you, your friends, and your life.

How can I report?

There are several ways you can report a hate crime, whether you have been a victim, a witness, or you are reporting on behalf of someone else:

1. In an emergency

  • call 999 or 112.
  • If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. However, you will only be able to use this service if you have registered with emergencySMS first. See the emergencySMS website for details. (opens in new window)

2. Contact the police

  • Who you can speak to in confidence. You do not have to give your personal details, but please be aware the investigation and ability to prosecute the offender(s) is severely limited if the police cannot contact you. Contact your local police force, either by telephone or by visiting your local police station. Details on how to contact your local police force can be found on the Directgov website (opens in new window).

3. Report online

  • You can report online using the facility on this website.  Go to the 'Reporting online' page (open in new window).

4. Self reporting form

  • You can download the self reporting form and send this to your local police force.  The forms, including an Easy Read version, can be found on the 'Report a hate crime' page.

5. Third party reporting centres

  • Local agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Voluntary Services etc can also report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support. The 'Organisations that can help' page has a list of organisations that may be able to help you.
  • Stop Hate UK provide confidential and independent Hate Crime reporting services in various areas in the UK including a 24 hour helpline.

6.  Reporting Terrorist and Extremist Material

  • “The internet is used by some people to promote terrorism and extremism. You can challenge and report terrorist and extremist content you find online, which you feel is offensive, or illegal. For more information about what makes online content illegal and how to report it, please visit www.direct.gov.uk/reportingonlineterrorism

7.  Crimestoppers

  • If you do not want to talk to the police or fill in the reporting forms, you can still report a hate crime by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org (open in new window). You do not have to give your name and what you say is confidential. It is free to call.
  • You can give us as little or as much personal information as you wish. But please note:
  • With your details... the incident can be investigated fully and you can get the service you deserve and the support you need.
  • Without your details... the report will be used for monitoring purposes to get a true vision of what is happening.

I'm ready to report - take me to the reporting page

What can I report?

You can report any incident you believe was motivated by hostility based on your:

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

These incidents may involve physical attacks, verbal abuse, domestic abuse, harassment, damage to your property, bullying or graffiti.