REPORTS of race crime in Hampshire are at a five-year high, according to figures hailed by police chiefs as a sign of progress.

The force says ethnic minorities are reporting racial hate crimes in greater numbers as records reveal more than 1,000 incidents were logged in 2014.

Statistics obtained by a freedom of information request suggest Southampton is the county’s race crime capital, accounting for more than a quarter of the county’s 1,030 reports.

Hampshire Constabulary said: “We firmly believe this is a sign of confidence from the public in reporting such crimes. People are engaging with us more in this vital area which is extremely important and encouraging.

“We fully expect recorded crime will continue to rise over the next year now that we are recording properly and following new standards.

“We always take reports of hate crime very seriously and will investigate each thoroughly, providing best possible support for victims.”

Race crimes include murders, assaults and arsons believed to have been motivated by the colour of the victims’ skin.

Southampton saw 1,301 incidents from 2010 to 2014, around 100 more than Portsmouth.

Hampshire’s 2014 total of 1,030 is up from 839 in the previous year and an average of 907 since 2010. Figures for earlier years have yet to be made public.

A leading equality charity believes hate crimes remain underreported.

Andrew Bolland, of Stop Hate UK, said: “Whilst increases in the levels of race crimes recorded by Hampshire Police may indicate increased levels of hostility, as an organisation and in line with data obtained via the Crime Survey of England and Wales, it is recognised that for a number of years there has been significant levels of underreporting.

“We encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents so incidents can be investigated, and victims can get access to support to aid their recovery.”

Simon Hayes, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said: “I would like to reassure people that an increase in the recorded number of crimes that are perceived by the victim to be racially motivated does not automatically translate into more hate crime on the streets of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Last year the Chronicle reported that conviction rates for hate crimes in Wessex were up from 84 to 86 per cent.