A POP-UP shop in Redditch offering advice and information about hate crime has been hailed as a success.
Positioned in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre on Wednesday, the store was there as part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week (October 14 to 24).
Representatives from the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, Warwickshire Police and the local theatre were there to support and organise the store.
Members from the Zoe Haworth Theatre Company were dressed colourfully and talking to the public about hate crime. They were explaining the issue, listening to the public’s views and what they think about Redditch’s hate crime levels.
Those who attended also received a goody bag containing leaflets about hate crime and a ‘say no to hate crime’ wristband.
Residents who wanted to could talk to professionals who explained what hate crime is and how to report it.
The goody bag contained a United Against Hate leaflet which explains hate crime, information on the ‘Safe Place’ scheme.
The ‘Safe Place’ scheme gives vulnerable people a ‘safe place’ to go if they feel threatened. Shops, businesses and public buildings that are a ‘safe place’ will have the ‘Safe Place’ sticker.
Coun Joe Baker, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services said: “This was a great event that the community partnership put together. Incorporating theatre and information to show people the seriousness of hate crime, how to report it and that it is not acceptable in our community. Redditch Borough Council operates a zero tolerance when it comes to hate crime, which I fully support.”
There have been lots of events similar to this in the last week throughout Worcestershire.
To report a hate crime a resident should go to the local police station or report online at www.report-it.org.uk or call 101 to report the crime, in an emergency a resident should call 999.
For more information visit www.unitedagainsthate.co.uk or call 0300 303 88388 or 01562 820262.
Call 01562 820262, visit www.ourway.org.uk or email [email protected] to find out more on the ‘Safe Place’ scheme or register.
Story by Victoria Hyslop
