Police in Kingston are inviting the public to join them for two events that will be held during National Hate Crime Awareness Week which runs from 8th – 16th October.

The week aims to shed light on hate crime and the ways in which to prevent it.

A hate crime is defined as any criminal offence that is motivated by hostility and prejudice towards a persons' identity or perceived identity. Disability, race, religion/faith, sexual orientation and transgender identity are the five nationally monitored standards.

On Thursday 13th October from 2pm – 6pm, members of Kingston's local Safer Transport Team will be situated outside Cromwell Road Bus Station and Kingston's Railway Station to provide crime prevention advice and to speak to members of the public regarding any of their concerns.

Safer transport teams police the buses in and around the area, focusing on the safety of passengers.

Friday 14th October will see a walk and talk take place, starting from Kingston Police Station and will be hosted by members of the station's LGBT+ advisers from 5pm – 7pm.

The team will be on hand to answer any questions about their work and listen to concerns of individuals and improvements that could be made to make the streets of Kingston safer.