Arrest acts as reminder during Hate Crime Awareness Week (From Streatham Guardian)

Arrest acts as reminder during Hate Crime Awareness Week

10:20am Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Alice Foster, Reporter

A man was arrested after reportedly hurling offensive remarks at Mosque-goers as the country marks Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Police arrested the man, 52, for a religiously aggravated offence after he was heard shouting offensively at Streatham Mosque on Tuesday

Police were called to the scene in Mitcham Lane at about 8.30pm and have since bailed the man until late November.

The Community Safety Unit, which investigates hate crime and domestic violence, are following up on enquiries.

The unit deals with 5,000 incidents a year and can offer support to victims by working with other agencies.

This year sees the UK’s first Hate Crime Awareness Week from October 13 to 19.

A Lambeth police statement to mark the week said: “Hate crime hurts us all. It strikes at the heart of our communities.

“We care about protecting the people who live in our communities. We are here to help anyone who has been affected by someone else’s prejudice, ignorance or violence.”

Police identify what happened, make sure the right action is taken, stay in touch throughout the investigation and put victims in touch with support organisations.

The statement said: “No matter who we talk to, whatever you or anyone else tells us about what happened to you will be treated confidentially, sensitively and appropriately.”

If you have been a victim of hate crime contact police on 101 or via the National online crime reporting service. In an emergency dial 999.