Cumbria Police urges communities to report hate crime during awareness week

Cumbria Police is supporting Hate Crime Awareness Week, taking place from 10 to 17 October 2026, to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage reporting, and reassure communities that hate crime will not be tolerated. A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. Throughout the week, officers and staff will be working with partners and local communities across Cumbria to promote awareness of hate crime, highlight the support available to victims, and encourage anyone affected to come forward. Throughout Hate Crime Awareness Week, Cumbria Police will be sharing a series of social media posts to help people better understand what hate crime is, how to recognise it, and the support available to victims. The campaign will also highlight how incidents can be reported and reinforce the message that hate crime has no place in Cumbria's communities. As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, Cumbria Police is also launching Operation Hail in Carlisle and Barrow. The initiative works with local employers to increase awareness and understanding of hate crime, helping businesses recognise incidents, support employees who may be affected, and encourage reporting. Participating venues will receive posters and window stickers featuring QR codes that link directly to hate crime reporting information and support services. Superintendent Annette McClement said: “Hate crime can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on victims, their families and the wider communities they belong to. “Nobody should feel unsafe, targeted or isolated because of who they are, their race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. “We want people to know that hate crime is taken seriously, and we encourage anyone affected, or anyone who witnesses this behaviour, to report it to us. "By reporting, you can help us take action, support victims, and build a clearer picture of the issues affecting our communities. “We are committed to working closely with partners and community groups across Cumbria to improve trust, increase awareness and ensure people know where to access support. “Working together we can help create safer, more inclusive communities.” Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “There is no place for hate in Cumbria. We are a welcoming county, and everyone deserves the right to feel safe it their community. “I’m pleased to see Cumbria Police working with partners to raise awareness of what hate crime is and how to report it. The Constabulary are here to help so please, if you experience a hate crime, report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. “However; if you do not want to report to the Police but still want support, Victim Support Cumbria can help you cope and recover from your experience. Contact them on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website at www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria. “You are not alone – please reach out for help.” Victims and witnesses can report hate crime directly to Cumbria Police by calling 101 or online via our reporting service. In an emergency, always dial 999. Reports can also be made through third-party reporting centres and support organisations.