WREXHAM residents are being urged to stand up to hate crime.

With National Hate Crime Awareness Week taking place between October 10-17, a number of key agencies in North Wales including Wrexham Council, North Wales Police, and other agencies across the region are asking members of the public to help them spread the message that hate crime will not be tolerated.

A hate crime is where an individual is targeted because of their identity or perceived difference.

It could be an act of violence or hostility or discrimination and victims may have been bullied harassed or abused, which can happen in public or in the workplace.

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for communities, partnerships, public protection and community protection, said: "Hate crime is wrong; it destroys lives and isolates vulnerable people and communities.

"Left unreported, offenders are free to continue committing this crime.

"We want this to change.

"We want to encourage and support people to talk about hate crime and most importantly report it."

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council, added: "If anyone tells you that they have been a victim, listen to their story and encourage them to report it.

"If you witness it, report it - you don’t have to be a victim to make a report."

Hate Crime should be reported by calling North Wales Police on 101 (999 in the case of an emergency) or Victim Support’s free 24 hour helpline on 0300 30 31 982.

Further information is also available via www.reporthate.victimsupport.org.uk