Recording hate crime

If you have experienced hate crime, record the exact details of the incident while it is still fresh in your mind.

About the incident

Try to remember:

• the date, time, duration of the incident, for example 9 January 2010, 6pm to 6.15pm
• where the incident took place, for example in the street, at school or at home
• what happened, for example if you were assaulted, what injuries did you suffer
• with graffiti, do not try to remove it. Record exactly what was written, photograph it if possible and report it
• with verbal abuse, record precisely what was said as soon as possible
• with written material, try not to handle it more than once. This will help preserve important evidence such as fingerprints. Also, save any envelopes or packaging.

Details of the attacker(s)

Help us catch the person/people responsible. Try to record:

• the number of people involved
• whether they were male or female
• their approximate age, height, build, hair colour and style, eye colour and ethnicity
• distinguishing marks such as scars, tattoos
• facial hair or the wearing of glasses
• their clothing
• distinguishing accents.

Details of vehicles

If a vehicle was involved, try to record:

• the make, model and colour of the vehicle
• the registration number
• the direction it came and went
• the number of occupants.

Details of witnesses

It is important to include the name and address of anyone who saw the incident, for example friends, neighbours or a teacher.