HAMPSHIRE police are investing £50,000 to support the reporting of hate crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael lane, has invested the money in enabling Hampshire Citizens Advice offices to become a third party reporting centre for hate crimes.
The initiative will develop all offices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and aims to support all victims of hate crimes.
In 2016/17, over 2,000 hate crimes were reported to Hampshire Constabulary, compared with 1,795 the year before. Police said this represented both an increase in reporting hate crime and an increase in incidents.
Michael Lane said: "I am deeply concerned about the increase in hate crime, in particular the surges after significant events such as the terrorist attacks earlier this year. Hate crime is unacceptable. It has no place in our society; it doesn't reflect the values of our communities.

"Having more independent reporting centres across the Hampshire policing area will help those most vulnerable members of our communities feel more confident to come forward and report these crimes."
A full list of the centres can be found at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/hatecrime