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More than 1,200 people in Merseyside were victims of hate crime last year, new figures show.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Kennedy is hoping to tackle the problem by introducing independent centres where victims can report crimes against them.

Merseyside Police figures show there were 1,256 incidents of hate crime – defined as an act thought to be motivated by prejudice or hate – in 2013.

This was 99 more crimes than in 2012, a 7% increase.

The results show 81% of last year’s offences were race-related, while 11% were homophobic and 5% to do with disability.

The remaining four per cent were hate crimes related to transgender and religion.

Mrs Kennedy said: “The Chief Constable and I are committed to tackling all forms of hate crime.

This report demonstrates the extensive work our engagement teams are doing in every community in Merseyside to increase understanding and raise awareness and knowledge. They are liaising with dozens of voluntary, charity and community groups to ensure people across the region, in all the different communities, know the means by which they can report such an incident.

“I want people to know that here on Merseyside you will be listened to, supported and helped if you come forward following any incident motivated by hate, prejudice or intolerance.

“If this means the number of reported hate crimes increases then that is what we must accept and encourage in order to protect our residents and prevent them from being targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.”

Reports of disability hate crimes reduced by 49% last year, which police say followed a long period of encouraged reporting where the force saw large increases.

The figures, which were discussed by the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel on Thursday, show that last year 80% of hate crimes reported resulted in charges or summons, eight per cent in cautions and the remaining 12% were dealt with by way of community resolutions.

A range of initiatives are already in place across Merseyside in a bid to reduce incidents of hate crime.

These include meetings encouraging residents to report hate crime, a DVD educating people about hate crime and update messages from police being passed to residents in mosques during Friday prayers.

There are currently no dedicated centres where members of the public can report hate crime but Mrs Kennedy is looking at setting these up in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

She is also planning to re-launch an emergency card scheme to help people with disabilities communicate.

Anthony Walker was murdered in a racially motivated attack in Huyton in 2005. His mother Gee set up the Anthony Walker Foundation in his memory to promote racial harmony and prevent youth involvement in hate crime.

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