The Cleveland Strategic Hate Crime Partnership has launched a new 10-year plan in March 2026 to reduce hate-motivated incidents across Middlesbrough and the wider Cleveland region. Led by Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey, the initiative aims to help all residents live without fear of prejudice by improving how crimes are reported and using education to change attitudes.
The long-term project follows a significant rise in local offences, with hate crimes increasing to 1,771 in the year ending March 2025, up from 1,508 the previous year. This 17.4 per cent increase included a surge in racially-motivated incidents, which rose by 27.87 per cent during the same period.
A major part of the strategy involves restorative justice, which allows victims to explain the personal impact of a crime directly to the person who committed it. According to Dave Mead, Victim Services Manager at Safer Communities, this approach helps offenders see past stereotypes and understand the harm caused by their actions.
The partnership was brought back together in October 2025 to create a more joined-up response to the disorder and community tensions seen in 2024. Sahida Ditta, the vice chair of the partnership, will help oversee the work as it focuses on building stronger and more inclusive local neighbourhoods.
