HATE crimes against disabled people are on the rise in Dorset, according to shocking new police figures obtained by a national disability charity.

A Freedom of Information request by United Response has revealed in 2017-18 there were a total of 46 disability hate crimes recorded by Dorset Police, a rise of 12 per cent from 2016-17.

Violence against disabled people was the most highly-reported crime, with 22 cases over the last period. The next highest-reported crimes included arson and criminal damage and public order offences, with 10 of each recorded.

Three burglaries and thefts were also reported.

The figures were obtained ahead of this year’s National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday.

Joanne Silkstone, United Response’s hate crime lead, said: “It beggars belief that that there are people out there who are targeting some of society’s most vulnerable people and doing them harm.

“This is unacceptable and we all must do everything we can to empower those who suffer this type of appalling abuse and discrimination to speak out.

“Victims must know that they need not suffer in silence. With the right tools, we can help them to report these crimes to the police when they do experience hate crimes.”

The charity believes disability hate crimes are underreported despite rising figures. Many people with learning disabilities, Down’s syndrome or autism may not recognise the abuse they have experienced as a hate crime or may lack the confidence to report these crimes to the authorities.

United Response obtained figures from 32 of 43 police forces across England and Wales. A total of 5,342 disability hate crimes were recorded in 2017-18 - a dramatic rise on the 4,005 offences from the previous year.

West Yorkshire saw more hate crimes occurring than any other region last year (536) while Gloucestershire and Humberside saw the biggest increases since 2016-17 (167% and 132%).

United Response is now working with West Yorkshire Police to train its staff and other organisations to help people with physical and learning disabilities, Down’s syndrome and autism recognise the signs of hate crimes and know how to report them.

United Response CEO Tim Cooper said: “Often this is a hidden and underreported crime. Victims can sometimes lack the confidence in coming forward and reporting their experiences to the authorities. Sometimes they don’t realise they have been a victim of hate crime.

“That is why it is crucial to equip people with disabilities with the knowledge they need to stand up to bullies and bigots.”

To find out more about United Response visit www.unitedresponse.org.uk