Victims told to report hate crime

Victims of homophobia and transphobia have been urged by police to use a 24-hour hotline to report offences.

Kent Police issued the reminder as part of a campaign to mark International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on 17 May.

Reported incidents of hate crime in Kent dropped by 6.3% from 1,227 to 1,150 between April 2007 and May 2008.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Ainsworth said the phone line allowed victims to have immediate access to advice and support.

"We believe that hate crime is under reported and we urge the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community to use this service so offenders are prosecuted," he said.

The phone line is staffed by trained call handlers from Kent's 13 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRP).