SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE: Public Reassurance Message – Hate Communications
Below is a statement from South Yorkshire Police in relation to the malicious letters which have been circulated and which contain messages of hate crime.
The attached message is from South Yorkshire Police and aims to reassure all Sheffield residents that the issue is being taken extremely seriously by the authorities.
The message also includes guidance on what to do and who to contact if you (or someone you know) receives a message of this kind.
Public Reassurance Message – Hate Communications
A national operation coordinated by Counter Terrorism Policing North East has been launched following receipt of malicious letters containing messages of hate crime was reported to police by a number of people across the country on Friday 9th March 2018.
In South Yorkshire, we have received reports of three letters being received all of which are being investigated as part of the Operation highlighted above.
In a reassurance message to communities on Sunday, ACC Tim Forber said: “These communications are extremely distressing and we appreciate that members of our communities will be very concerned.
“I can assure you that these documents are being taken extremely seriously and a thorough investigation into the circumstances is underway.
“I would like to reassure the people of South Yorkshire that public and community safety remains our utmost priority and as always, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of everyone.
“We’d always encourage anyone who is made to feel vulnerable to report this to police and it is really important that we are made aware of all letters received.
“If you or someone you know, has received such a letter, please contact 101 and report the matter immediately”
“Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated and we will work with our communities and alongside our colleagues in the counter terrorism unit to ensure that those spreading fear and hatred will be brought to justice.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East said: "We take religious hatred extremely seriously and my officers will be carrying out a full and thorough investigation in response to these reports.
"These letters seek to cause fear and offence among our Muslim communities. They also seek to divide us. Yet in spite of this, our communities have shown strength in their response to such hatred and in their support for each other.
"We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of such an offence to contact their local police force on 101. We'd also appeal to anyone with any information about the individual, or individuals, responsible to call police in confidence on 0800 789 321."
Public Advice:
Below are some key messages to help you answer questions from members of the public:
- If you do receive a letter, parcel or other post to your premises that is threatening or abusive then please follow the below guidelines:
- Keep the number of people who handle the letter and the envelope to a minimum – this is to allow Police the best chance to identify the sender through the use of forensic techniques and minimise the risk of harm.
- Place the letter and the envelope in a clean plastic bag or similar (a sandwich bag or freezer bag for example) as this will stop further contamination.
- Call the local police and inform them, they will assess what you have received and know the procedure to follow, whether the letter is part of this series or not.
Further help and support is available from Tell Mama, please contact them by calling 08004561226 or WhatsApp 07341846086 or visiting their website www.tellmamauk.org
