VICTIMS of hate crime in Bromley who are too afraid to alert police are to have new ways of reporting offences.

The new third party reporting scheme is Bromley's response to the Macpherson inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence, which accused the Metropolitan Police of institutional racism.

Racist, homophobic, sexist and domestic crimes can all now be reported at more than 30 places throughout the borough, to civilian community representatives who will forward information to the police.

Victims can stipulate if they do not want the offences to be investigated by police but officers are hoping they will still report crimes, to enable them to build a more accurate picture of the number and nature of offences taking place in the community.

Borough commander Chief Superintendent Gerry Howlett attended a launch party for the new scheme at the United Reformed Church in Widmore Road.

He said: "I think the Met has come a long way but there are still problems.

"Ideally, we want everybody to come to the police as their first port of call if they are victims of crime.

"But third party reporting recognises some people might not feel comfortable. We still have a long way to go."

The scheme was welcomed by a variety of community organisations.

Bromley Somali Community Association spokesman Idil Ibrahim, who will be one of the new third party reporters, said: "Many people in our community simply don't report crime. Hopefully, the opportunity to tell someone they know will help this situation."

Bromley Health Promotion gay and bisexual men's worker, David Hammant, another third party reporter, said: "Many people fear that if they report crime they will be outed publicly and some may not have told their families about their sexuality.

"This scheme might help improve that."

Full details of organisations involved in third party reporting are displayed at www.newsshopper.co.uk

November 30, 2001 12:52

Sarah Warden