Victims of hate crimes are being encouraged to speak out and seek help by the police.

Hertfordshire Constabulary published an appeal to anyone who has been the target of such abuse to tell them, using the slogan, “Don’t ignore it – report it”.

A hate crime is defined as any criminal offence targeted at a person because of prejudice about their race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability.

A statement on the Hertfordshire Constabulary’s website says: “If you have been harassed, abused or assaulted because of who you are or what you believe in, then you are a victim of hate crime.

“We encourage victims and witnesses to report hate crimes and hate incidents. All reports will be taken seriously and treated sensitively.

“We investigate crimes in an attempt to bring offenders to justice. Offenders can face a longer sentence if convicted of a crime that is proven to be hate-related.

“Victims will receive support and advice from one of our dedicated and specially trained hate crime officers.

“Reporting hate crime means we can better understand and respond to problems within our community. In the long term there will hopefully be fewer hate crimes and fewer victims as a result.”

Hate crime can be reported via the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, where there is an immediate threat to life or property, always dial 999.

If you would prefer to report and incident online, visit http://www.report-it.org.uk/your_police_force