In a statement responding to the Channel 4 documentary shown on Monday evening (July 24) – the first in a new series of 999: What’s Your Emergency – Wiltshire Police have reiterated strongly their aim to combat hate crimes:
“Like most of you, we continue to be appalled by the actions of the minority when it comes to this type of crime and adopt a zero tolerance approach when dealing with it.” ”Our message is simple – hate has no place in Wiltshire and nobody has to put up with it. It is important to reiterate that Wiltshire remains one of the safest counties in the country and this documentary was filmed over the course of several months.”
Their statement – headed ‘No home for hate in Wiltshire’ – included statements from the Leader of Wiltshire Council and the Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council. It also gave a link to the True Vision website which has information about what constitutes a hate crime, offers advice and support – and where anyone can report a hate crime.
More than a million people watched Monday’s Channel 4 programme – which marlborough.news has reported on.
The police statement also gives the legal definition of a hate crime: “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 or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.”