REPORTS of hate crime against disabled people in Lancashire rocketed by almost 200 per cent in the the last two years.

The statistic was released after Lancashire police were inspected as part of a joint review into the way forces handle reporting, investigation and prosecution of hate crime.

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The report made seven recommendations for police, probation trusts and the Crown Prosecution Services to improve practice in relation to crime against disabled people.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner, said the report recognised how seriously hate crime was taken in Lancashire.

The report highlighted a 195 increase in the number of disability hate crimes reported in the country between 2011-12 and 2013-14.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Noble, hate crime lead for Lancashire police, said: “We are committed to tackling all crime motivated by hostility and prejudice and we urge anyone who has been a victim of a hate crime to have the confidence to come forward and report it.

“While elements of the report are disappointing and highlight the gaps, both locally and nationally, specifically around disability hate crime, we are determined to continue to learn, work with communities, victims and partners to increase awareness, the confidence to report incidents and provide the necessary support to victims throughout the investigation.”

Lancashire police was one of six police forces visited as part of the inspections carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Probation.

Mr Grunshaw said: “Lancashire is a diverse community, which is part of what makes it such a brilliant place.

“My police and crime plan priorities include protecting vulnerable people and championing victims’ rights.

“To work towards achieving this, I gave £4,800 to fund an alternative hate crime conference led by the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. I have also given £20,000 to Victims Voice – an organisation made up of groups that tackle hate crime across the county. They used the funding to raise awareness.”