Hate Crime is up 7% in Cumbria.
However, the rise is below national and regional increases.
Race hate crime saw a 57% spike in the county in 2014/15 - whilst hate crimes against people for their sexual orientation; disability; or religion also rose.
Cumbria Police's Chief Constable says it's a sign people now have the confidence to report cases.
Commenting on the figures, Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said: “I broadly welcome this increase, as we have done a lot of work in the county with the constabulary and partners, to promote awareness of hate crime, and encourage reporting. I believe the message is getting through and is starting to pay off, which I believe is reflected in the increase in the number of recorded crimes.
“For example we have funded Hate Crime Awareness workshops, and hosted, with partners, a number of successful ‘Know Your Criminal Justice System’ days aimed at raising awareness and improving confidence to those with learning and physical disabilities to come forward if they feel they have been a victim of hate crime.
“Cumbria is not alone in experiencing an increase in hate crimes, most forces have witnessed an increase. Additionally the force has also sought to improve data quality by increasing the identification and detection of these types of crimes, ensuring that hate crimes are flagged appropriately”.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Brown said:
“It is unacceptable that people are being victimised in this way and that it is happening in our county. However, national surveys have shown that hate crime is majorly under reported so it is positive to see that people have the trust and confidence to do so in Cumbria.
“We will continue to work with partners to ensure people understand what hate crime is and ensure they do have the knowledge and confidence to be able to report it to police.
“We take hate crime very seriously and will do our best to support victims and witnesses to make it stop and bring perpetrators to justice.”