PCC Clive Grunshaw joins Operation Hail in Chorley

Operation Hail aims to tackle workplace hate crime

Operation Hail was launched in 2024 to ensure that hate is not part of the job. The initiative involves police and employers working together to support victims of hate crime in the workplace.

Police outreach to retailers and takeaways

Officers are visiting various business premises, including retailers, takeaways, and pubs, to engage with local employees. During these visits, police provide guidance on recognising hate crime, supporting victims, and preserving evidence that could assist investigations. They also discuss how to report hate crimes and seek support.

Commissioner Grunshaw condemns hate crime in Lancashire

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said, "It was great to see Operation Hail in action, gaining a deeper insight into the community engagement that always needs to be at the heart of tackling crime, with hate crime being no exception". He added that the initiative provides insight into community engagement and emphasised that hate crime is intolerable in Lancashire.

"By working together to challenge prejudice and promote inclusion, we can help create workplaces where everyone feels able to be themselves and thrive," Mr Grunshaw said. He further stated, "Hate crime is completely unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it here in Lancashire. These crimes create division and cause lasting harm to individuals, their families and friends, and entire communities".

Mr Grunshaw also said, "I continue backing Lancashire Police to tackle those responsible for these offences and send a clear message that harassment and bigotry in any form, targeting any group, have no place here".

Inspector Cisco emphasizes workplace safety

Prevention Inspector Jon Cisco said that hate crime has no place in any workplace. He added that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected when they come to work, regardless of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

Hate crime is defined as incidents that may be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person's race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. The campaign calls on employers to promote a workplace culture based on respect, dignity, and inclusion.

Prevention Inspector Jon Cisco stated that Operation Hail aims to encourage people to speak up against hate. He said: "Through Operation Hail, we are encouraging people to speak up, supporting those who experience hate, and making it clear that this behaviour will not be tolerated. By working together to challenge prejudice and promote inclusion, we can help create workplaces where everyone feels able to be themselves and thrive.". Inspector Cisco said: "Through Operation Hail, we are encouraging people to speak up, supporting those who experience hate."

Support services available for victims

Victim Care Lancashire is available to provide support to those affected by crime. The service is funded by the Commissioner.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week collaboration

These visits took place during National Hate Crime Awareness Week as part of an initiative known as Operation Hail.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week is a UK-wide initiative that encourages collaboration between authorities, the business sector, and the voluntary sector to address hate crime. The week also encourages authorities, business and voluntary sector partners, and affected communities to collaborate to tackle local hate crime.