VICTIMS of hate crime are being urged to come forward and report their experiences to the police. The call comes after Kallum Crosby and Jamie Norris were jailed this week for pushing a man into the River Humber and then boasting they did it because he was gay.
Stephen Mirfin has been the hate crime and diverse community co-ordinator for Humberside Police for five years. He believes more people are reporting hate crime, whether relating to race, gender or sexuality, but believes too many are still suffering in silence.
Mr Mirfin said: "Unfortunately, hate crime still happens and the big thing for us is to get people to report it. There has been a lot of progression within the police on this issue. We are getting more and more reports, which we see as a good thing.
"It is encouraging to think people feel confident enough to come to use and report such crimes. We realise in the past that hate crime has been under-reported and we want to build up that confidence. We expect there to be a steady increase in reports."
Mr Mirfin feels the force has made big strides over the years in dealing with hate crime.
He said: "We have been working with Andy Train, of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum, and other groups.
"In the past, people have just accepted what is happening to them, particularly with low-level crime such as name-calling.
"But it is important we get the full picture and people need to report all matters to us. It also helps us identify people early on.
"Those responsible for terrible hate crimes, such as murder, probably began with name-calling. We want to help educate people early on."
Mr Mirfin admits dealing with hate crime is not easy.
He said: "Many of these cases need to be sensitively handled. A victim may not have come out to friends and family yet so won't want the police coming round to his or her home. We have reporting centres across the area if people feel intimidated by police stations.
"Even if people don't want to take the matter further we at least know about it and can record it. We are very much victim-focused and will listen to what they want."
The court heard this week how Crosby and Norris followed their victim as he walked home alone from Fuel bar to Victoria Pier on January 7, where they pushed him in.
The pair later boasted about the attack to a worker in a takeaway, telling her they did it because he was gay.
Their victim was trapped in thick mud, but managed to call 999 from his mobile phone and was freed. He was treated for cuts and bruises at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Crosby, of Thurston Close, Bransholme, and Norris, of Terry Street in west Hull, both admitted attempted robbery.
Crosby was sentenced to four and a half years and Norris to three years nine months in jail.
Hate crime can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims.
Mr Mirfin said: "It is also important to understand the impact on victims.
"Some people can't face going out anymore and others stop going to school or university. If they stop socialising they often lose their support network. It can be a huge problem for them."
Anyone wishing to report a hate crime can call the 24-hours hotline on 0300 123 4283 or Mr Mirfin on 01482 220707.
