A hate incident is any incident (which may or may not be a criminal offence) which is perceived by the victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

A hate crime is any incident, which is a criminal offence, perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

Hate crimes and incidents can be motivated by prejudice about:

• Race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (including against gypsies and travellers)
• Religion and faith (or lack of religious belief)
• Gender identity (including resentment of transgender people, transsexuals and transvestites)
• Sexual orientation (including homophobia)
• Disability (including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, learning disabilities and mental health issues.)

Hate crimes can be:

• Physical attacks such as assaults
• Vandalism, criminal damage, graffiti or arson.
• Verbal abuse or abusive gestures
• Cyberbullying
• Offensive letters or text messages (hate mail) or phone calls
• Offensive leaflets and posters
• Threats of an attack

Avon and Somerset Constabulary will not tolerate any form of Hate Incident or Crime.