A CAMPAIGN is being launched in Oldbury urging Sandwell residents to recognise and report hate crimes.

The borough council, West Midlands Police, Rights and Equality Sandwell and Victim Support are among the organisations who have joined forces to form Sandwell Against Hate.

It is being launched at a special event at Oldbury Council House next Monday (October 10).

Its key message is that people should not be victims of hate just because of who they are, what they look like, what they wear, what they believe or who they love but if they are they should report it.

Councillor Preet Gill, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for public health and protection, said: “Hate crimes must be recognised, recorded and dealt with wherever they take place.

“We need to get the message out there that hate crimes will not be tolerated in Sandwell and that no matter what type of crime it is – we are here to help and give support.”

Sandwell Police’s Superintendent Richard Youds said he wanted people to have the “knowledge and confidence” to report hate crimes, and to know their reports would be taken seriously.

“It’s not just victims who can report hate crimes – we urge anyone who witnesses a hate crime to report it. Support is available for all those who are affected by these horrible incidents,” he added.