Waltham Forest Council is working in partnership with local agencies to encourage the reporting of hate crime incidents.

What is hate crime?

Hate crimes are motivated by prejudice or hostility based on the victim’s:

  • Disability
  • Race
  • Religion and belief
  • Sexual orientation
  • Transgender identity

There is a range of hate crime which includes daily abuse through to violent extremism. Hate crimes can spread fear amongst communtiies and are a threat to community cohesion.

A victim of hate crime does not have to be a member of a minority community or someone who is generally considered to be a ‘vulnerable’ person. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.

The impact on victims is different for each individual, but many may experience similar problems. They may feel extremely isolated and fearful of either going out or staying at home.

Incidents of hate crime can take place anywhere – at home, in the streets, in the workplace or in schools and colleges. Incidents of hate crime can be broadly broken down into four categories:

  • Visual - leaflets, letters, emails, posters, etc
  • Physical - hitting, kicking, spitting, assaults, etc
  • Verbal - abuse, intimidation, threats, malicious telephone calls, etc
  • Property - graffiti, vandalism, theft, etc

These incidents can be committed randomly, or can be part of a campaign of continued harassment or victimisation by a stranger, customers, neighbours, extremist groups or even a family member.

What should you do if it happens to you or someone you know?

If you are unable or uncomfortable about going directly to the police, you can report an incident of hate crime anonymously and in strict confidence at a hate crime incident reporting site located across the borough. You can discuss your experience with a specially trained member of staff to complete a hate crime incident reporting form.

For more information contact:

  • Waltham Forest Police on  0300 2123 1212
  • Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000 and ask for hate crime reporting. Minicom 020 8496 3010
  • Or visit a hate crime incident reporting site

In an emergency call 999

Commonly asked questions about reporting hate crime

Don't suffer in silence- Report it

Removal of offensive graffiti

Graffiti can be words, or images that deface or damage the surface of any property. They may be written, painted, sprayed or scratched. Some graffiti can be offensive or of a racist nature.

Offensive graffiti is unacceptable and the Council will endeavour to remove offensive or racist graffiti from Council owned buildings within one working day of it being reported to us

» Read more on graffiti removal by the Council

Contact us

Hate Crime
Safe and Strong Communities
Sycamore House
Waltham Forest Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email communitysafety@walthamforest.gov.uk
Web www.walthamforest.gov.uk/hatecrime