THURROCK Community Safety Partnership (TCSP) has been out in the borough offering safeguarding support and community safety information about hate crime for National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

TCSP representatives and Essex Police visited Lansdowne Primary Academy in Tilbury, South Essex College, Grays, the Amazon Warehouse in Tilbury and hosted an information stand in Grays High Street to raise awareness to children, young people and adults about hate crime and how to report it.

Hate Crime Ambassadors from Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions (TLS), Grays, also teamed up with the partnership and spoke to residents who benefit from TLS services about hate crime and mate crime.

Vulnerable people can be more at risk of mate crime where they are exploited or abused financially, physically or emotionally by someone they consider their friend.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment, said: "It's incredibly important to report hate crime, whether you're a victim or you see it happening.

"Reporting incidents mean that police can allocate resources and gathering data on recurring problems. You can report it to Essex Police, either online, by calling 101 or going to your local police station. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

"There is no place in Thurrock for hate crime. With your help we can make sure that we and our partners in law enforcement do all we can to keep our residents and communities safe."

National Hate Crime Awareness Week took place this year from Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 October and is held annually to raise awareness about hate crime – a criminal offence which is perceived by anyone to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic. This includes race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. Visit the Essex Police website to find out how to spot hate crime, report it and get help.

Find out more about the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership.