A HATE crime advisor has been appointed by Hertsmere Borough Council.

The new officer, who has not been named, will work in partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Aldwyck and Ridgehill housing associations to encourage people to report hate crime to find out how bad the problem is and support the victims.

Hate crimes are verbal or physical attacks on the grounds of disability, sexual preference, ethnicity or age. It also includes religious intolerance and domestic violence.

This Christmas, the local authority will be concentrating on domestic violence. Historically, there is an increase in domestic violence in the borough over the holiday period.

The hate crime advisor can be contacted on 0208 207 7462, but in an emergency, people should call 999.

December 12, 2001 18:30