A new website has been launched to help fight hate crime.

Hertfordshire Police wants to tackle the issue and give people the chance to report crime in a safe place.

It provides key information about what hate crime is and how to get support.

The tool was launched as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, which ends today.

The website www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hertsagainsthate provides key information about what a hate crime is and how to access support if you have been affected by it.

What is hate crime?

A hate crime is any criminal offence that is targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.

What does the website do?

It includes details of third party reporting centres in Hertfordshire, where victims can report hate crimes or hate incidents, anonymously if they prefer.

Details are then passed onto police.

The website is designed to be easy to read and pages can be translated using a Google Translate feature. There are plans to develop the site further including the addition of hate crime awareness promotional materials that can be downloaded.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Hate Crime lead, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Treadwell said: “We take reports of hate crime very seriously but also understand not everyone will feel comfortable reporting to police. The website provides information online to better understand what hate crime is and where they can get support if they need it.”

Colin Woodward, Hertfordshire County Council’s deputy cabinet member for community safety, said: “Hertfordshire is a safe and tolerant county but like in other areas, hate crimes can occur. It is important that when they do, people know what options they have available to them. I welcome the launch of this website which provides information and advice to people living in the county about hate crime.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, whose office leads the Hertfordshire Hate Crime Partnership Board, said: “Hate crimes can have a severe impact on the victim themselves and the wider community can also suffer as hate can breed fear and suspicion. We are united in Hertfordshire in our commitment to tackling hate crime and improving outcomes for victims. This website will provide a useful resource for people affected by hate crime.”