The Home Office has published the latest hate crime statistics, which show the number of reported hate crimes in Cheshire have increased by 170 incidents.

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "I’m delighted to see that the number of reported hate crimes has increased from 365 in 2011/12 to 535 in 2012/2013. It’s a small step in the right direction as we continue to raise awareness and increase public confidence in reporting this type of crime."

The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimates that 40% of all hate crimes come to the attention of the police. The Commissioner would like to encourage more people to report hate crime, increasing that figure even more.

John added: "The number of reports for hate crimes surrounding disability, gender identity, religion and race are still rather low. I urge people who have been victims of this type of hate crime to have the confidence to come forward and report it."

Deborah Ardern, the Hate Crime Co-Ordinator for Cheshire Constabulary said: "We have been working with the minority communities in Cheshire to improve their confidence and ensure that incidents of hate crime are reported to the police.

"We are trying to make sure people can access information and through third parties have a safe place to report hate crime."

Community reporting centres were established by Cheshire Constabulary and partner agencies to help encourage people to report hate crimes. The service that the centres run is led by the victim, and helps to build confidence with the victim and the community.

More information about community reporting centres and other ways to report hate crime can be found on www.cheshire.police.uk