A CAMPAIGN to crack down on hate crime is under way with thousands of special publicity cards being handed out.

People are being encouraged to report all incidents of hate crime in a bid to stop the problem before it escalates.

Kirklees Council has joined forces with the police, housing organisations and community groups to launch the Stop Hate Crime campaign.

They hope that by offering support to victims, people will be encouraged to report the culprits to the police.

Clr Khizar Iqbal is chairman of the Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities partnership and has vowed to tackle the issue.

“People affected by hate crime do not have to live in fear,’’ he said. “Action can be taken to support them and help create safer communities.”

Hate crime covers racism and homophobia and is perceived to be motivated by personal characteristics such as race, sexual orientation, disability, faith or religion.

It can include physical attacks, the threat of an attack, verbal abuse or insults and damage to property.

Intimidation and bullying are also classed as hate crimes.

As part of the campaign, 10,000 Stop Hate Crime – Report It cards are being handed out offering advice to victims.

The cards also contain information about where people can report it and what support they will receive.

Posters are being displayed in Kirklees libraries, council buildings, schools and on buses to highlight the campaign.

Places where crime can be reported include the Deighton Centre, Huddersfield Technical College and at Citizens Advice Bureaus throughout the area.

It can also be done online, over the phone or by post and be anonymous if a victim feels scared.

Diversity Officer Javier Santana-Acosta said: “Hate crime is often under-reported because people fear repercussions. It is crucial that people speak out rather than keep it hidden.

“Our message to anyone affected is ‘don’t suffer in silence’.

“Hate crime is not acceptable.”

Kirklees was the first authority to set up specific reporting centres for people to report disability hate crime.

They hope that by extending the scheme it will help even more people and stop the problem for good.

To report an incident or for details visit www.kirkleeshateincidents.co.uk or call the Hate Crime Unit on 01484 416 295.