POLICE on the Isle of Wight will be recognising International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) today (Monday).

Along with their colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary, they will be promoting LGBT+ inclusion through an active LGBT+ resource group, and safer LGBT+ communities.

LAGLOs are police officers and police staff who have voluntarily received additional training to support and continue strengthening relationships between the police and the LGBT+ community.

They aim to build trust and confidence within LGBT+ communities; encourage the reporting specifically of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crimes, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and support LGBT+ witnesses and victims of crime.

Insp Scott Johnson said: “Hate crimes and hate incidents can take place anywhere — at home, in the street, at work, online or at school.

"No one should have to live with the fear, anxiety and consequences of hate. These are incidents which are motivated by hostility or prejudice based on your actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race or religion.

“Reporting it when it happens will help the police to deal with it and may prevent these incidents from happening to someone else.

"You will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

“If you've been the victim of crime because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can speak to any police officer or member of staff.

“If you want to speak to someone with a greater understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, you can always ask to speak with one of our LAGLOs, all of whom have additional training, skills and experience regarding these issues.

“We also know there are many instances where people may not wish to report their experience directly to the police, and Third Party Reporting Centres provide an alternative means of reporting hate crime in a manner led by the victim.”

To find out more, visit hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/

Report hate crime online at www.hampshire.pnn.police.uk or 999 in an emergency.

Visit the True Vision website at www.report-it.org.uk/home

Contact or visit a Third Party Reporting Centre at hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/taking-action/hatecrime