How to report hate crime – and why your report matters
It's National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10–17 October 2026), a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, whatever their background or identity.
If you've experienced or witnessed hate crime, knowing how to report it is important. And speaking up can help make a difference far beyond one incident.
What is hate crime?
A hate crime is a criminal offence motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of who they are, or who someone thinks they are.
This can include hostility based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity or sex.
Hate-related behaviour can take many forms, including physical attacks, threats, harassment, criminal damage or online abuse.
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Disagreeing with someone is not a hate crime. Everyone has the right to express opinions, hold different beliefs and engage in debate, even when others disagree or find those views offensive.
Hate crime involves criminal behaviour motivated by hostility or prejudice, not simply a difference of opinion.
Why is reporting hate crime so important?
Every report can help build a clearer picture of what's happening in our communities.
When incidents go unreported, the true scale of the problem can remain hidden.
Reporting helps police and other organisations:
Identify patterns – understanding where hate-related incidents are happening and who is being affected.
Target prevention – directing resources, support and interventions where they're needed most.
Drive change – providing evidence to inform policies, campaigns and action to make communities safer.
Even if you're unsure whether something counts as a hate crime, you can still report what happened.
And remember, you don't have to be the person targeted to make a report. Witnesses can report hate crime too.
How to report a hate crime
There are several ways to report hate crime:
In an emergency: Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
Report to the police: Call 101 or report hate crime online.
Through Travel Guardian: Use the Travel Guardian app to access hate crime reporting options, including anonymous reporting routes.
Report anonymously: Contact Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.
On trains or at railway stations: Text British Transport Police on 61016 for non-emergencies.
You can also find reporting guidance, specialist support and other options through National Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Your voice can help create change
Whether you've experienced hate crime yourself or witnessed it happening to someone else, reporting matters.
The more we understand about what's happening, the better equipped we are to challenge hate, prevent harm and build safer, more inclusive communities.
