Derby City Council is supporting National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which starts tomorrow, by encouraging everyone to take a stand against hate.
During the week, which runs until Saturday 17 October, police, partners, and communities will come together across the country to highlight the support available and urge people to speak out.
A hate crime is a criminal offence which is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity. It can include threats, verbal abuse, harassment, online abuse, damage to property and physical assault, and can have a lasting impact on victims and communities.
Reports in Derby rose in 2025-26, with 155 more recorded – an increase of 15%. The highest rise was in racially motivated offences, with 85 more reports, followed by disability and religion or faith.
Residents are encouraged to learn the signs, support those affected, and report incidents – whether as a victim or a witness.
There are several ways to report incidents, including:
• In an emergency, always dial 999
• For non-emergency incidents, you can contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or report online via the police website
• Stop Hate UK offers initial support and advice with a 24-hour free phone service on 0800 138 1625 or for Deaf People Text Relay on 18001 0800 138 1625
• Crimestoppers allows you to contact police anonymously on 0800 555 111
More information about hate crime and how to report it can be found on the Derby City Council website.
Since its launch in December 2025, businesses, charities, community groups, organisations and schools have joined the Council’s No Place for Hate campaign to make clear that abuse, harassment, and bullying are not tolerated in Derby. Organisations can join by clicking here.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety, said:
Derby is a welcoming, diverse city, and hate has no place here. We want everyone to feel safe and know that any incidents reported will be taken seriously. National Hate Crime Awareness Week is an opportunity for us to remind the public that support is available. We're urging everyone to join our No Place for Hate campaign to show there's a zero-tolerance approach to hate in Derby.