Officers visited premises across Lancaster and Morecambe as part of a week of action to raise awareness of hate crime in the workplace.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2026 took place between Monday October 12 and Sunday October 17, and is a week of action aimed at encouraging communities, local authorities and partners to come together to tackle hate crime across the UK.

In Lancashire’s West Division – which covers Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe – police officers from local Neighbourhood Policing teams visited a number of premises across the division to remind employees that hate is not part of the job.

Through Operation Hail, Lancashire Constabulary's countywide operation aimed at raising awareness of hate crime in the workplace, officers educated staff on what constitutes a hate crime, how they can report it and what support is available.

Officers visited Laurel Bank care home as part of their awareness week.

placeholder image — Officers visited Laurel Bank care home as part of their awareness week.

Visits included:

111 retail stores
56 Licensed Premises such, as pubs or bars
47 takeaways
23 health centres
14 transport hubs, such as taxi ranks

Thanks to funding from the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), officers also distributed posters, window stickers and leaflets carrying the message that hate is not part of the job, helping businesses show their support for employees and customers alike.

Prevention inspector for West Division, Dave Callan, said: "Hate Crime Awareness Week provides an important opportunity to engage directly with our communities and raise awareness of what hate crime is, the impact it can have on victims, and the importance of reporting it.

"Throughout the week, our officers have visited local businesses and community premises to speak with staff and members of the public about recognising hate crime and the support available to those affected.

"Through Operation Hail, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected and supported.

"We want people to know that hate crime will not be tolerated, and we encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses it to report it to us so that we can take action and provide the appropriate support."

If you have been the victim of a hate crime, please report this to Lancashire Police by calling 101 or 999 if the crime is in progress. More information on hate crime can be found online at https://www.lancashire.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime/information/v1/hate-crime/what-is-hate-crime/