SINCE the results of the EU referendum, the National Police Chiefs Council has reported a 57 per cent increase in hate crime across the country.

Councillors from South Hams District Council have spoken out publicly against hate crime and say that there is no place in South Hams from people who support or incite racism, xenophobia or hate crimes.

Leader of SHDC Cllr John Tucker said: ‘Since the EU referendum result and news of hate crime on the rise, our councillors have been contacted by many people who are concerned about hate crime. ‘We absolutely think that this sort of behaviour is intolerable and would urge anyone who is suffering from these crimes or is witness to them to report it to the police.

‘We know that there is concern about this locally and nationally, but we would say that the South Hams is full of warm and welcoming communities where the vast majority of people live side by side in peace.

‘Should any of us, as your councillors and ward members become aware of this sort of behaviour in the South Hams we would seek to make the strongest possible condemnation and ensure that the police are brought in to deal with the situation as quickly as possible.

‘We work closely with the local police in our communities to make sure that the South Hams remains a safe place to live.’

Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement saying: ‘You will probably be aware that since the outcome of the European Union referendum, some parts of the UK have seen an increase in the number of hate incidents/crimes.

‘Tensions are also apparent across social media networks. Please ensure we gather all intelligence around hate incidents and community tensions so that we can best respond.

‘It is vital that we recognise that our diverse communities may be feeling particularly vulnerable at this time and we work hard to promote the message that hate crime is unacceptable and will be dealt professionally and in line with a victim’s needs.

‘Early reporting of hate crimes/incidents can help us manage community concerns and best support victims.’

Here are some of the many ways that you can report hate crime. In an emergency, call 999 or text 999 if you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. In a non-emergency situation, call 101, text 67101 or email [email protected].

To make a Third Party Report, visit the website: www.report-it.org.uk/report_a_hate_crime and for young people or schools, visit: www.lhdiversity.org.uk.