REPORT IT: is the message of a new information pack for London's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities launched on April 30th.

Backed by the LGBT Advisory Group, partner agencies and community support groups, the information pack is a new way that victims and witnesses can report hate crime to the Metropolitan Police.

Victims and witnesses can use the self-reporting forms and freepost envelopes in each pack to detail hate crime incidents and send them direct to the Diversity Directorate. Using this community intelligence we will be able to build on ongoing policing operations and further target resources into stamping out hate crime in London.

Offering an alternative way to report crime, the pack builds on the continued work of both Community Safety Units in local police stations and designated LGBT liaison officers in all the Met's boroughs.

Available from pubs and clubs to libraries and surgeries in the heart of West End and the suburbs, the pack also includes information about support services, same sex domestic violence, safety tips and advice for victims and witnesses.

Commander Cressida Dick, Head of the Met's Diversity Directorate said:

"We need to know what's happening. The self-reporting form is a way that you can give us valuable information to help protect you and others. We recognise that some victims or witnesses may be reluctant to contact the police directly and provide personal details. You don't have to give us your name but your information might be crucial. We urge you to report it."

"Working with and listening to the community is a vital way for us to investigate and combat hate crime. It remains a priority for us and together we can help stamp it out."

Bob Hodgson, co-chair of the LGBT Advisory group, that represents the LGBT community and advises the police said:

"The Advisory group recognise that the under reporting of Homophobic and Transphobic crime is a real problem across London and we are pleased that the police have taken our advice and developed this initiative."

"We hope people will use this scheme so that the police can be aware of where attacks are happening and can prevent others becoming victims"

Supporting the initiative, Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said:

"Hate crime has no place in a city like ours. London's energy and success have a direct relationship to the many communities living here and the Lesbian and Gay community makes a vital contribution economically, socially and culturally. People must feel confident enough to be able to report incidents of hate crime and I am delighted the Metropolitan Police are introducing this new pack to help people deal with hate crime."


Source: Metropolitan Police