West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged to tackle hate crime as an awareness week on the subject comes to an end.

Events have been held across the country to mark the week, from October 12 to 18 with special vigils across the country today.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson is starting a consultation, with West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Mark Gilmore, getting people’s views on hate crime, looking at how it is currently recorded and how reporting and support services help victims and witnesses.

A hate crime is any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon the victim's disability, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

It can take many forms including physical attacks, damage to property, offensive literature, threats, intimidation, bullying and harassment.

Mr Mark Burns-Williamson said: “Hate crime has a significant impact on feelings of safety and on people’s lives. That is why I made it one of my priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.

“I have been out and about in our communities seeing the good work of the police and other organisations as they work hard to tackle hate crime and I am really pleased to see partners working together taking some very positive steps forward with the hate crime agenda. I am looking with the Chief Constable at new ways to make sure that the recording of hate crimes meet the needs of people locally and that our reporting and support services put victims and witnesses at the heart of what we do.” Mr Gilmore said: “I would strongly encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime or hate incident to come forward and report it.

“You can have confidence that we will deal with these cases sensitively and appropriately. You can report this directly via 101, through your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or by logging onto the True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk.

“I do understand that some victims may not wish to contact the police directly and third party reporting centres offer a valuable service. Some of our local authority partners offer online reporting facilities through their website and you can also contact Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.”

To have your say about hate crime email consultation@westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk.

For information visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contact-us/hate-crime-hate-incidents.