Mate crime is a type of hate crime, done by someone you know and thought was a friend.
If a friend does any of the following you may be a victim of mate crime:
Throws stones at your doors or windows.
Shouts at you or calls you bad names.
Sends you nasty messages.
Threatens to hit you.
Tells you to have a relationship or to touch someone sexually.
Asks you to pay them for their help.
Takes your money or shopping.
Uses the credit on your phone.
Tells you to buy things for them.
Asks to be your friend online when they are a stranger.
Asks for your identity information.
Things to help you keep safe:
Check the privacy settings on your social media or other online accounts.
Don’t tell people your personal or security information.
Tell someone if your friends are making you feel frightened, scared or upset.
Phone a helpline for advice.
Talk to the Police about what is happening to you.
Here are some contact details to get help:
Call 999 (in an emergency).
Call 101 (if not an emergency).
Or visit your local Police Station.
If you do not want to give your name, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
To use the internet to report a crime, go to www.report-it.org.uk
Or you can visit a local place showing a Safe Place sticker.