CONVICTIONS for racial crimes of violence have risen by almost 150 per cent in four years, Government figures reveal.

The figures for the West Mercia force area, which covers Worcestershire and Herefordshire, show that in 2002, 52 offenders were found guilty of offences of racially aggravated violence, compared with 75 in 2003, 81 in 2004, 94 in 2005 and 126 in 2006.

However the force said it is encouraged by the Government figures as it means minorities are coming forward with complaints.

Superintendent Andy Parkes, who heads West Mercia's diversity department said: "We welcome the increase in the number of convictions for racist and religiously-motivated incidents. It demonstrates the extent to which the force's efforts to engage with our justice partners and minority communities are building confidence and encouraging victims to come forward."

Racially-motivated offences are classed as 'hate crime', where someone is discriminated against because of who they are, for example their race, religion/belief, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Spt Parkes added: "The force deplores all forms of hate crime and is part of the True Vision campaign which aims to raise awareness of racist and religiously aggravated incidents, as well as other hate crimes such as assaults due to someone's sexuality.

"The force has three Independent advisory groups made up of members of the public who give their views on minority ethnic, disability and sexual orientation issues."

More information and advice visit www.victimsupport.org.uk or www.report-it.org.uk