THE number of hate crimes reported in Dorset doubled to record levels following Brexit.

The county saw the largest increase in the number of hate crimes in the country following the referendum in June last year.

However, Dorset Police, have insisted that despite the increase, the number of hate crimes committed is still relatively low compared to other parts of the country.

From July to September 2016, 104 hate crimes were recorded by Dorset Police, an increase of 100 per cent from April to June 2016.

This is the highest number of hate crimes recorded since records began in April 2012.

Hate crime lead Superintendent at Dorset Police, Nicole Searle, said: “We always take reports of hate crime extremely seriously and will fully investigate and deal with any incidents robustly.

“In line with the national picture, Dorset did see a moderate increase in reported incidents of hate crime following the EU referendum, however overall numbers remain relatively low compared to other parts of the country.

“These statistics also include 20 reports from Dorset Race Equality Council which were passed over to the Force last year. Many of these reports pre-dated the referendum and were formally logged by Dorset Police. None of the reports received were directly linked to the EU referendum results. All 20 of the reports made to the Dorset Race Equality Council were hate incidents as opposed to hate crimes.

“We welcome the increased confidence to report as a result of our ongoing efforts to encourage victims to come forward, and in light of the national situation which has raised the profile of such crimes. The trend of victims having the trust and confidence to report crimes to us is a testament to consistent efforts made by the Force to reassure victims that Dorset Police will never tolerate hate crime, victims will be supported and offenders brought to justice where possible.

“We work in close partnership with other statutory and voluntary organisations and groups as part of Prejudice Free Dorset, to target all prejudice and hate-related incidents and crimes across the county.”

As reported in the Echo earlier this year, the number of hate crimes reported in July trebled in Weymouth and Portland compared to the months before the referendum.

Motions went before Dorset County Council, West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland councils last year calling for people to fight the intolerance that had surfaced since the referendum.

If you think you may have experienced or witnessed hate crime, report it by contacting Dorset Police, contacting Crimestoppers or using the True Vision website (report-it.org.uk), where you can also find advice about staying safe. In an emergency, dial 999.