Meet Hate Crime Hank – a dinosaur helping Lincolnshire Police to raise awareness of hate crime.

Hank hates anyone who isn’t like him – from their appearance to simply being who they are. If he continues to spread hate, he may well end up committing a hate crime.

The message from the police is not to be a dinosaur like Hank and that communities can help make hate crime a thing of the past.

‘Hate Crime Hank’ launches as part National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2019, which runs from 12 to 19 October.

Hate crime in Lincolnshire has increased from 432 incidents in 2017/18 to 643 in 2018/19 – a 49% increase.

During this period disability related hate crimes have increased by 20% and racially aggravated offences by 50%. Offences relating to sexuality or transgender identity have increased by 76% and 71% respectively.

The only type of hate crime to reduce is faith-related hate crimes, which dropped by 15%.

Chief Inspector Steve Williamson, force lead for hate crime, says:

“There is never any excuse for committing a hate crime and we don’t tolerate anyone who feels it is acceptable to cause distress or for someone to live in fear.

“Please don’t ever try to shrug off a hate crime as these crimes have the potential to escalate into something even more serious.

“Police recording of hate crime has improved significantly so this increase isn’t a surprise to us and we now have a more accurate picture of hate crime in Lincolnshire.

“We hope that Hate Crime Hank will help us raise awareness of the consequences of hate towards others and encourage communities to continue reporting offences to us.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, says:

“Hate crime continues to be underreported and nationally we know that around 40% of hate crimes are not reported to the police. This means that our officers didn’t hear about 250 incidents last year.

“I welcome the fact that more victims are having the confidence to come forward and report this despicable abuse and it’s vital that their cases are properly investigated.”

A hate crime can result in a criminal record, a fine or even a custodial sentence. Any crime can be a hate crime if there has been hate or hostility towards the victim.

If you are a victim of hate crime or you have witnessed one please call 101, or 999 if someone is in immediate danger.

If you don’t wish to speak with the police, please report to Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625 or visit www.stophateuk.org

For more information about hate crime visit: www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/hate-crime/

Please show your support for National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2019 by sharing ‘Hate Crime Hank’ and #DontBeADinosaur.

Hank is a dinosaur. He hates anyone who is not like him. Anyone who is different. If Hank continues to hate he could be committing a Hate Crime which could land him a prison sentence. Don’t be like Hank. Don’t be a dinosaur. Anyone can report hate crime. Call the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or Stop Hate UK