Reporting move to cut hate crime

Victims of hate crime in Cumbria are to be able to make a report without having to attend a police station.

A Third Party Reporting Centre is being set up at the Greystone Community Centre, Close Street, Carlisle.

It allows victims, witnesses or third parties to report crimes relating to race, religion, sexuality or disability in a safe, neutral environment.

They can either complete a form at the centre, with trained staff to hand, or take it away to fill in elsewhere.

'Safe route'

This means they do not have to visit a police station or have an officer visiting their home or workplace.

Unless the crime is in progress or the incident places someone at risk of serious harm, details will be forwarded in pre-paid envelopes to Carlisle Police Station.

Hate Crime Officer Detective Constable Julie Dodd said: "Hate crime does not only affect individuals it can also affect whole communities.

"By using the safe, neutral route through Third Party Reporting Centres, people may be able to help prevent these crimes from happening to someone else."

It is part of a pilot scheme for the north of the county, with centres also operating in Appleby and Penrith.