TAXI drivers in Basingstoke and Deane are being urged to help tackle hate crime by reporting incidents they witness or experience.

Basingstoke Hate Crime Working Group, made up of agencies including Citizens Advice Basingstoke, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire Constabulary, is working to stamp out such incidents across the borough, in which people are targeted because of things such as disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other perceived difference.

As part of this drive the group is working with taxi drivers, a group who work all around the borough and around the clock, to explain what a hate crime is and how they can report it.

Incidents don’t always include physical violence and can include offensive language and harassment. They can have a devastating effect on the victim.

PC James Newson from Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Taxi drivers are a unique group of individuals who spend their working lives out and about in the town. As well as encountering so many different people, they are also constantly observing what’s happening on the streets at all hours of the day and night.

“Unfortunately, some of them may also experience verbal and physical abuse either personally or witness it happening as they go about their work.

“If someone targets another person because of their disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other perceived difference, that’s a hate crime and we would always encourage that it is reported. Our officers and staff are trained to deal with hate crime sensitively and professionally. Reporting hate crime could stop it happening to you again – or happening to someone else.”

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Cllr Simon Bound added: “It is not acceptable to be targeted because of who you, your family or friends are and help is available.

“With the help of taxi drivers in the borough, we can tackle those responsible for hate crime and support victims affected by prejudice or violence.”

The Hate Crime Working Group was established to encourage and support a wide range of organisations and residents of the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane to work together to tackle Hate Crime and create a safer environment for everyone.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the local Hate Crime Working Group, please email islam.jalaita@basingstoke.gov.uk.

How to report hate crime:

Contact Hampshire Constabulary by dialing 101.

Always dial 999 if there is a crime happening or there is an immediate threat to life.

You can also report crime online at www.hampshire.police.uk

Report in person at the Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre. RG22 4BS.