During 2003/2004, 219 racist incidents and crimes were reported to Dorset Police, but in 2004/2005 that figure had risen to 341 – a 56% increase.
Nationally the number of reported racist incidents rose by 12%.
The force have been encouraging the public to report racist crime and that a majority of the victims they dealt with were satisfied.
Between April, 2004, and March, 2005, 79% of racist incident victims were satisfied with the service offered to them by Dorset Police.
The force had appointed a Positive Action Officer to look at the recruitment of under represented groups – particularly black and ethnic minorities.
Source: BBC News
