TACKLING hate crime is not something the police can do on their own.

By launching the Place-based Initiative (PBI), officers will be clamping down on hate crime in Bolton.

As well as enforcing the law, they will be taking steps to educate and inform people, in a bid to prevent crimes happening.

They will be working with other organisations including Bolton Council, Trading Standards, housing services and representatives from the NHS.

They will also be speaking with faith groups to help them report hate crimes.

Working with other agencies not only takes the pressure off the police to deal with an issue, but by offering help and support from different bodies, they may get to the root of the problem and prevent re-offending.

Hate crime does not only involve violence, but discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, disability, or appearance.

As well as reporting incidents to the police, hate crimes can be reported to Victim Support Bolton, in Chorley Old Road; Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau, in Mawdsley Street; and a number of UCAN centres.

A council spokesman said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Greater Manchester Police and other partners to address the issues that are of most concern to the local community.

“As a council, our particular focus will on enforcement action and promoting community cohesion by tackling hate crime.

“This collaborative approach will allow us to share ideas, resources and experiences to make a real difference.”