PCC funds third-party reporting service to tackle hate crime across Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Tizard has funded Stop Hate UK, a charity which provides a third-party reporting service for hate crime in Bedfordshire.  

In 2025/26, there were 1,278 reports of hate crime in Bedfordshire, down three percent from the previous year, when there were 1,317 reported incidents. The PCC has also condemned hate in all its forms and is urging residents across the county to report incidents. 

At the same time, there has been a 24% increase in solved hate crime compared to last year. This shows that the police do take these crimes seriously.  

The PCC has said that a fall in reporting of hate crime does not necessarily mean a fall in overall incidents of hate crime.  

Stop Hate UK already operates in other parts of the country, and allows people to report hate crime safely, confidentially and without the need for directly contacting the police. Stop Hate UK operates the UK’s only free dedicated 24-hour anti hate crime helpline service. There are eight ways to make contact, including telephone, text online chat, email, online reporting form, BSL and text relay.  

John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: 

“Hate crime is a direct attack on someone for their ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. It is wrong and it is harmful. It has absolutely no place here in Bedfordshire. 

“Those who commit these awful crimes are criminal and they are cowardly. 

“Stop Hate UK can make reporting hate crime easier.  

“I want every person in Bedfordshire, whatever their background, wherever they live to know that they will be supported, they will be believed, and they will be taken seriously.” 

Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK said: 

“Hate is on the rise in the UK, but we know that all forms of Hate Crime are significantly under-reported and that individuals and even whole communities are often reluctant or unwilling to talk to the police or their council. They do not know who to turn to when they are targeted.  They think that no one cares, but we do.  This is why my team work 24 hours a day 365 days per year to provide people with a safe, confidential, independent space to get support. 

“By funding our independent service, the Police and Crime Commissioner is demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that all residents and visitors to Bedfordshire do have somewhere to go when they experience Hate.  We are open when other services may be closed or busy and we give people an easy way to report or access support.  We are committed to working with agencies and organisations across the County to create a safer environment for us all.”