A British police force on Thursday began recording attacks on goths as “hate crimes,” similar to those committed against a person solely because of sexual orientation, race or religion.

Manchester police decided to adopt the new policy in order to better protect members of “alternative sub-cultures,” France 24 reports.

“People who wish to express their alternative sub-culture identity freely should not have to tolerate hate crime — something that many people have to endure on a daily basis,” said Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan.

The measure follows the case of 20-year-old goth Sophie Lancaster, who was beaten to death in a northwest England town in 2007 because of the way she was dressed.

Attacks on goths, punks and other “alternative” groups are not currently recognized as hate crimes under British law, France 24 reports.

Equalities minister Lynne Featherstone acknowledged last year that the current list of protected classes by hate crimes is “incomplete.”

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