SWINDON police's community and race relations department is gearing up for a busy year as the Wiltshire force starts to focus on hate crime.
As Insp Bob Markham rightly says, hate crime is a "double offence" because the victims not only suffer the effect of the crime but feel it harder because they have been targeted for who they are.
As with domestic violence and other once-taboo subjects, half the battle is working out the scale of the problem.
It may seem just like the tweaking of an operational system, but if Wiltshire Police's new system of following up hate crimes can ease the situation of anyone living in the shadow of victimisation due to colour, creed or sexuality, then it is to be welcomed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article