THE number of hate crime incidents in Warrington has increased again – but concerns remain over the issue still being ‘hugely under-reported’.

Hate crime in the town, from April to September 2018, increased by 28 per cent when compared to the same period twelve months earlier.

It rose from 157 recorded crimes to 201.

Racial or religion-related incidents totalled 121 in 2017, between April and September, but increased to 130 over the same period a year later.

Furthermore, in 2014-15, 186 hate crimes were recorded by police in the borough, which represented a 4.5 per cent rise from the previous year and a 37.8 per cent increase from 2012-13.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, has responded to the figures.

He said: “Hate crime is an abhorrent crime, which remains a hugely under-reported issue, so it is pleasing to see that more victims are having the courage to come forward.

“Working with our community partners is key to encouraging more victims to report hate crime either to the police, or via third party reporting centres, and I have continued to invest in training for third party reporting centres to develop even more places for residents to report abuse.

“No one should have to tolerate abusive behaviour which targets them because of who they are and I would encourage anyone who feels that they have been a victim of hate crime to report it to Cheshire Police.”

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, says he is appalled by the latest figures.

He added: “People have a right to live their lives freely and safely without the fear of hate.

“It is our duty as citizens to call out those that falsely believe it is ok to destroy and undermine those in our community that just want to get on with life.

“Events, such as Warrington Mela, prove to me that those that are responsible for such disgusting actions are very much in the minority but it still can’t be ignored.

“Strengthening our community links and developing our community centres can only lead to a bigger and better town.

“By working together, we can all play our part in defeating this hateful crime.”