Police in Hertfordshire are using the end of Anti-Bullying Week as an opportunity to encourage victims and witness of disability hate crimes to come forward.

If a person is verbally and physically harassed or assaulted because of their disability, they are not only victims of bullying, but are also considered victims of disability hate crime.

The offence is punishable by law and offenders can face a significantly more serious sentence if the case comes to court.

Police have specially-trained hate crime officers that offer victims help, support and advice and will assist the victims if the case goes to court.

Inspector Ian Tycer, who specialises in tackling hate crime, said: "What might seem to others as harmless banter towards at a disabled person, is taken just as seriously by police as if someone had been assaulted or robbed because they are disabled.

"Anti bullying week is a great platform for us to reinforce the message that any form of crime where victims are taken advantage of because they are disabled is totally unacceptable.

"We are committed to reducing the harm disability hate crime causes to victims, their families and to the wider community and it is vitally important that incidents are reported to police so action can be taken.

"It is understandable that many disability hate crimes still go unreported as victims may feel awkward or embarrassed talking to police face to face.”

Forms to report disability hate crime will be available in the following outlets next year:

  • The One Stop Shop in the Town Hall in Watford.
  • Citizens Advice Bureau, Watford; Thrive Homes.
  • Three Rivers House, Rickmansworth.
  • Watford Community Housing Trust, Clarendon Road.

  • Witnesses and victims can also call 0845 33 00 222 to contact hate crime officers.

    Hertfordshire Constabulary offer support to victims of disabled hate crime