Nobody Should Suffer in Silence: Standing Together Against Hate Crime and Criminal Damage

Over recent weeks and months, there has been a concerning rise in hate crime and racially motivated criminal damage across County Durham and Darlington. From offensive graffiti to the vandalism of our highways to serious verbal abuse. 

Criminal damage is a crime that can impact negatively on the pride and community confidence in our towns and villages, it costs taxpayers money to repair, and—when motivated by prejudice—strikes at the very heart of who we are as a community. 

Hate crime is even more serious. It is defined as any criminal act that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. Behind every statistic lies a victim—someone who may feel unsafe in their own home, their own street, or their own workplace because of who they are.

That is unacceptable. Nobody should suffer in silence or be subjected to verbal threats and abuse.

Hate crime does more than damage property. It damages lives, trust, and community cohesion. It spreads fear among entire communities and can escalate very quickly if not challenged early and robustly. That is why I want to send a clear message: hate crime and racially motivated criminal damage will not be tolerated in County Durham and Darlington. The police will uphold the law, and those responsible will be dealt with.

But enforcement alone is not enough. We need the public’s help. Many of these incidents go unreported, either because victims fear nothing will be done, or because witnesses assume someone else will act. 

I want to reassure every resident: if you are targeted, or if you witness these crimes, your voice matters. By reporting hate crime, you will not only help the police catch offenders but also help us understand the true scale of the problem and target resources where they are needed most.

There are several ways to report. If you are in immediate danger, always dial 999. For non-emergencies, you can call 101, report online via the Durham Constabulary website, or attend your local police station. 

If you do not wish to speak directly to the police, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. Crimestoppers is completely independent, and you can share information whilst remaining 100% anonymous.

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that all victims are supported, and offenders are held accountable for their actions. I have invested in victim services so that anyone affected by hate crime can access practical and emotional help. I also continue to work with partners across councils, schools, community groups, and faith organisations to promote education, tolerance, and early intervention—because prevention is always better than cure.

We all have a part to play. Whether by challenging prejudice when we hear it, supporting a neighbour who has been targeted, or simply refusing to turn a blind eye, we can make a difference. Hate has no place in our towns and villages!

Let us unite against hate crime and racial motivated criminal damage and show that County Durham and Darlington remain places where everyone is respected, valued, and safe.

Nobody should live in fear. Nobody should suffer in silence. And I will ensure that those who commit these crimes are brought to justice.