Anti-social and nuisance behaviour

Reporting a hate crime or incident

What is hate crime?

Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender’s hatred of someone because of their:

  • race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
  • religion
  • gender or gender identity
  • sexual orientation
  • disability.

The Home Office defines hate crime as ‘any incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.’

Hate crime can take many forms including:

  • physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
  • threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene phone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints
  • verbal abuse or insults – offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace.

How do I report a hate crime?

Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, belief or sexual orientation are hate crimes and should be report to the police. 

Police

Stop Hate UK

Stop Hate UK provide an alternative reporting service for people who don't want to report hate crime to the police. Access independent support and information, 24 hours a day, every day of the year including an LGBTQ+ helpline. Witnesses of incidents can also report and receive support via the telephone helpline. Online reporting is also available. The aim of the reporting service is to encourage more victims to report hate crimes and hate incidents and enable better access to support and advice.

Crimestoppers

To report anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Newham Hate Crime strategy

There is no place for Hate in Newham. Those who commit hate crimes attack the fundamental values that underpin our diverse society, values of acceptance and respect for others.

Tackling Hate Crime is a key priority for Newham Council and the Community Safety Partnership and the delivery of our Hate Crime Strategy will focus actions on prevention, education, support and holding offenders to account.

Reducing the number of Hate Crime offences is a priority in Newham’s corporate plan – Building a Fairer Newham.

Read Our Hate Crime Strategy (PDF)

Council tenants and Hate Crime 

If you are a council tenant and you commit criminal offences, hate crime or anti-social behaviour, you will be in breach of your tenancy terms and conditions and you may lose your tenancy. 

Private tenants and Hate Crime

If you are a private tenant and you commit criminal offences, hate crime or anti-social behaviour, your landlord will be notified and you may lose your tenancy.