New officer to tackle hate crime

3:36pm Friday 18th July 2008

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A new specialist position has been created to help combat the fear of crime and to reach under represented members of the community.

Richmond Council is to appoint a dedicated hate crime officer to combat racial and homophobic offences.

Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for communities, said: "We have never had specialist officers for these roles but this will be an extension on what we have done before.

"Hate crime is an increasing area of concern in the borough and is an an area that we wanted to get on top of."

The council currently works with the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender group as well as members from the disability forum who say there is a problem of fear of violence and crime.

This move is designed to reach groups not easily accessed by conventional means and to show that Richmond is a community for all people.

Coun Williams said: "Race and homophobic crime are always seriously under reported and it is important we get someone working with the community rather than just reacting to crime."

A council spokesman added: "We are the safest borough in London but we have a relatively high fear of crime and we need to better engage with people."

• Do you think hate crime is a problem in the borough or have you been a victim? Post your comments below.