Police host LGBTQ+ community event in Hatfield

The Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) hosted a community event in Hatfield town centre on Saturday (7 October) which had a focus on LGBTQ+ hate crime.

Officers from the team hosted a stall in White Lion Square as an opportunity for residents to speak to their local team about any concerns and be provided with crime prevention advice. There was a particular focus around LGBTQ+ hate crime, including how to report it and where to get support.

The officers – PCSOs Lucy Manning, Shannon Payne and Mark Randall - were joined by emergency services colleagues from the fire service too. Residents were able to get advice around what to do in the event of a fire and how they can make their home safe from fire risk.

Sergeant Bobby Wilson said: “We organised this event because we wanted to show the LGBTQ+ community that we support you. The event was open to everyone and our officers spoke to a number of residents throughout the day, from 11am to 4pm, and we were really pleased with the turnout.

“It was also great to be joined by the fire service. As emergency services, we work closely together so we thought residents would find it useful to get all sorts of important advice in one place at one time.

“I’d like to remind our LGBTQ+ residents that we will always listen to you and help. Hate crimes have no place in Welwyn Hatfield or anywhere in Hertfordshire. We’ve also got specially LGBTQ+ Liaison Officers who are there to provide extra support should you ever be the victim of a hate crime.”

Group Commander Chris Welsh from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We stand united against hatred and prejudice. We encourage our communities to report hate crimes, to speak out about discrimination, and to join us in creating a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

“In the spirit of partnership, we support the police in their efforts to combat hate crimes. We will continue to work side by side, not only as first responders but as advocates where differences are celebrated, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Together we can build safer communities for all.”

Reporting hate crime              

Hate crimes are crimes like any other, but that have the added distinction that the victim was targeted because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Victims and witnesses can report incidents to police without fear via the non-emergency number 101, online or 999 if a crime is on-going. Victims can be reassured that they will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

For more information about hate crime, including how to report it and where to get support go to Herts against hate (opens in a new window).

How to contact an LGBT+ Liaison Officer

LGBT+ Liaison Officers can be reached by calling the non-emergency number 101 or by contacting us online. In an emergency or if a crime is on-going, report it immediately via 999.  The support of an LGBT+ Officer can then be requested if required. We will treat what you tell us sensitively and in confidence. 

To contact an LGBT+ Officer in your local area for non-urgent advice ring 101 and ask to leave a message for them to contact you.