The recent atrocities in France have unfortunately increased tensions for some communities here in Bolton and across the country, putting the issue of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism high on the agenda.

Our response has to be one of cohesion. We have to work together and send a strong, united message that hatred and ignorance are not welcome in Bolton or in Britain.

The strongest and best communities are those built on tolerance and respect. That is the message I want to send out across Bolton as we mark Hate Crime Awareness Week and commemorate the Holocaust, when hate crime turned to genocide.

There is a sense of community spirit running throughout Bolton, where the majority of people respect and look out for one another, irrespective of background.

But there are a number of individuals who seek to divide us by spouting hatred and targeting people simply because they are different.

In the twelve months to March 2014 there were 379 reports of hate crime in Bolton. That’s 379 victims, targeted because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. This should make shocking reading and spur each and every one of us to stand together against this abhorrent crime.

Hate crime can never be acceptable. It is destructive and hurtful, blighting people’s lives.

Earlier this week I met Sylvia Lancaster, whose daughter Sophie was killed for being a Goth. She is now raising awareness of hate crime and encouraging other victims to come forward.

And that is what this week is about – shining a light on hate crime and encouraging people to stand up and speak out.

If you have been a victim of hate crime or know someone who has, do come forward. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking directly to the police there are more than 20 third party reporting centres in Bolton where you can speak to someone in confidence.

Visit my website at gmpcc.org.uk/hatecrime for more information.

Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council, faith and voluntary groups and local communities have made great strides in raising awareness of this crime, giving victims the confidence to take that brave first step and report it, but we still have a way to go.

In the end it is for you and me as citizens, as decent members of the human race, to challenge the purveyors of hate and make hate crime a thing of the past.