Greater Manchester Police are the first in the country to add Alternative Subcultures to the monitored Hate Crime strands.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, GMP’s lead on hate crime, said: “The launch of this new strand of recordable hate crime is a major breakthrough. We are able to officially recognize that people who wish to express their alternative sub-culture identity freely should not have to tolerate hate crime – something that many people have to endure on a daily basis.”
Sophie Lancaster died in 2007 at the age of 20 after her and her boyfriend were attacked as they walked home through Stubbeylee Park, Bacup. She suffered horrific head injuries and never regained consciousness. Her killers were sentenced in 2008 and the judge recognised her death as a hate crime, as they were targeted for being Goths.
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The Sophie Lancaster Foundation (S.O.P.H.I.E. - Stamp Out Prejudice Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere) was set up to create respect and understanding of sub-cultures. The charity works with police forces and politicians to ensure individuals who are part of sub-cultures are protected by the law.
ACC Shewan continues: “Sophie’s tragic death brought forward a need to recognize that there are many other victims of hate crime that should be protected by law. While we have worked with the foundation for some time, I am proud to say we are now the first force in the country to officially record alternative sub-culture as a sixth strand of hate crime motivation.”
Sylvia Lancaster, founder of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Sophie’s mum, said: “It is a very proud day for me personally and the rest of the team. It is a validation of the work we have undertaken in the past five years and hopefully other forces will follow GMP’s lead. A big thank you to Greater Manchester Police and all our supporters.”
For more information about this type of hate crime please visit www.gmp.police.uk/hatecrime. To report a hate crime call GMP on 101 or 999 in emergencies. You can report a hate crime or a hate incident online – visit www.report-it.org.uk . You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report any information you might have about crime anonymously.
To make a donation or to find out more about S.O.P.H.I.E. charity, visit the website: www.sophielancasterfoundation.com
