Chief Constable Martin Jelley said: “We have not seen an increase currently in reports of racially aggravated incidents in Warwickshire in the days immediately following the EU referendum. However, we will monitor the situation and our Safer Neighbourhood Teams are continuing their valuable local engagement work with those communities who do feel vulnerable.

“Hate crime is not tolerated in Warwickshire and we will do everything within our power to ensure that offenders are dealt with appropriately. All reports to us are thoroughly investigated and the care and support of victims is at the heart of all that we do.”

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “Hate crime, racial abuse or harassment of any kind is simply unacceptable – whatever the motivation behind it may be. It is understandable that communities may be feeling concerned following reports of such behaviour from around the country in recent days but I am reassured that Warwickshire Police will deal quickly and robustly with anyone responsible for hate crimes. I would urge anyone who feels as though they have been a victim of hate crime to come forward and report it to the police so they can take action.”

If you have been a victim or are witness to a hate crime, please report it by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. Every report of a hate crime or a hate incident will receive a police response.

More information about how Warwickshire Police is tackling hate crime can be found here: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/hate-crime

Issued: 1pm, Thursday 30 June, Emily Dixon, Corporate Communications