Hate crime policy

Approved by residents stampCross Keys Homes recognises that a person can be a victim of hate crime due to race, religion, culture, ethnic origin, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or another identifiable characteristic. The organisation will not tolerate, and will take prompt and effective action against, all forms of hate crime. We will promote cohesion and understanding in our communities and safeguard communities from harm.

If you have been the victim of a hate crime, call us on 01733 38500 or complete the ASB reporting form on our website. If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

If you want to find out more about how we deal with hate crime and work to prevent its occurrence, this policy will give you that information.

Our commitment to you

All hate crime cases will be allocated to a Neighbourhood Manager (ASB) and an investigation started within 24 hours of receiving the report (one working day).

A risk assessment will be completed with the victim to understand the ongoing risk to them.  

In circumstances where the victim has not reported the hate crime to the police, we will encourage and support them to do this.

In accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and Procedure, we will work in partnership with the police (when required) and gather evidence through diary sheets, interviews, phone calls, CCTV, noise app and street surgeries to enable further action to be taken. We will work with the police to ascertain whether it is safe and appropriate to contact the perpetrator (if known).

We will consider an application for a civil injunction when there is a continued risk of harm to the victim, and there are no other safeguards such as bail conditions already in place.

In circumstances where there is a criminal conviction for a hate crime offence, we will consider applying to the court to evict the resident.

Victims of hate crime will be supported throughout the case. A multi-agency support package will be put in place alongside the police and other agencies where applicable and be victim focused. Where possible, robust action should be taken against perpetrators to support the victim to remain in their home. Target hardening and security measures may be considered. In some cases, the police may support a transfer on emergency grounds because of continued significant risk of harm.

What is hate crime?

The police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have agreed to the following definition for identifying and flagging hate crimes:

A hate crime is defined as 'Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.'

 

What is a hate incident?

A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone’s prejudice towards them because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or because they are transgender.

Evidence of the hate element is not a requirement. You do not need to personally perceive the incident to be hate related. It would be enough if another person, a witness or even a police officer thought that the incident was hate related. Examples of what could be perceived as a hate crime/hate incident could include: 

  • Verbal abuse like name-calling and offensive jokes
  • Harassment
  • Bullying or intimidation by children, adults, neighbours or strangers
  • Physical attacks such as hitting, punching, pushing, spitting which do not constitute criminal offences
  • Threats of violence


How can we prevent hate crimes? 

  • Increase reporting of hate crime/incidents 
  • Improved access to support 
  • Improving our response to reports of hate crime/incidents 


Preventative actions we take

Cross Keys Homes and partners will utilise multiple intelligence sources regarding the prevalence, nature and location of hate crimes and incidents to determine emerging trends and hot-spot areas. We will ensure reports to Cross Keys Homes are collected and disseminated to the relevant agency.

We will take firm action against perpetrators of hate crime, working closely with the police to ensure they are brought to justice, and will pursue appropriate legal enforcement where their actions constitute a clear breach of tenancy.


What should you do if you are a victim of a hate crime/hate incident? 

Further information:

Who is responsible for managing hate crime?

The Anti-Social Behaviour Team:

  • Investigate reported cases of hate crimes/ incidents in partnership with the police where possible.
  • Safeguarding victims of hate crime from further harm through target hardening, transfer on emergency grounds, use of legal sanctions and through ongoing support.
  • Making appropriate referrals for specialist support for victims where appropriate.

The Assistant Director of Operations, reporting into the Director of Operations is responsible for the Hate Crime policy.

Legislation and regulation

This policy is written in accordance with the following regulatory and legislative requirements:

  • Regulator of Social Housing Neighbourhood and Community Standard 2024
  • Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  • Crime and Disorder Act 1998
  • Criminal Justice Act 2003
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Housing Act 1996
  • ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Information sharing

Cross Keys Homes has an information sharing agreement with key agencies and contractors to share information in relation to the delivery of our services. Information shared must be relevant and the Data Protection Procedure adhered to when handling data. You can find more information about how we manage your data in our Transparency and Privacy Policy.

Monitoring and review

The Hate Crime Policy was approved in June 2025 and will be reviewed every three years – next review May 2028.