It's time to blow the whistle on hate crime

They are handing out whistles and encouraging members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (LGBT) to use them if they are attacked or threatened.

A police spokeswoman said: "The scheme was run in San Francisco in the late 1990s and proved successful in contributing to reducing the number of assaults on LGBT people and identifying the offenders of hate-related incidents."

The scheme is being launched first in Kemp Town, Brighton, and will start on Friday.

A launch will be held at Club Revenge in Old Steine, Brighton. Whistles, funded by a Pride grant, will be handed out along with an information card to clubbers and will be distributed at other venues in the Kemp Town area.

Sergeant Mark Andrews, LGBT community officer for Brighton and Hove, said: "This is a simple but effective approach towards an issue that is still present in the Kemp Town area particularly.

"There are still people intent on victimising others because of they way they look or an assumption about their sexual orientation.

"The whistle does not replace calling the police but draws attention towards the aggressor and their behaviour and is an immediate communication to others that someone needs help.

"It is very similar to personal attack alarms that some people carry and can not only reduce the fear of isolation in a volatile situation but send a clear message to the aggressor that they should back off."

Lisa Timerick, LGBT Community Liaison Officer said: "This will enable LGBT people to take responsibility for assisting each other.

"By blowing the whistle at offenders we aim to intimidate them and show a united community which will not put up with this type of behaviour."

Sgt Andrews said residents and local business people in Kemp Town would be informed about the scheme through a leaflet and poster campaign.

He said "Blow the Whistle" will also be promoted throughout the Winter Pride week which begins February 4.