More and more police officers in Powys are being trained to crack down on hate crime after a pilot scheme was extended across the county.

Dyfed-Powys Police says it now has specially trained officers to deal with hate crime victims and detection of racially aggravated attacks has increased.

Chief Inspector Nigel George, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said a Hate Crime Pilot Scheme set up in Powys had proved so valuable it had now been spread throughout the force.

He said about 50 officers had received training so they could provide advice and guidance to officers dealing with and victims.

He said: “The aim of the scheme is to enhance the force’s operational response to hate crime and thereby delivering a top quality service.

“The Hate Crime Support Officers will ensure that the police response meets a consistently high quality standard as well as facilitating other agencies help and involvement.

“The feedback from victims in Powys where the scheme has been piloted has been positive with them appreciating the additional level of support.

“The detection of racially aggravated offences also increased to 83 per cent.”

He said the officers had also been trained to provide additional support to hate crime victims and to identify measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.

The training undertaken included members of minority communities talking to the officers about their own experiences.

Rhian Glynn, hate crime community engagement officer, said: “Victims of hate incidences often find it difficult to report it to us. Dyfed Powys Police take all reports of hate incidents seriously and I urge all victims not to suffer in silence.”