Police target 'overwhelming' level of hate crimes in town

Dyfed-Powys Police said it is dealing with cases almost every day in Newtown and will now launch a crackdown on the issue.

The force said it has a dedicated officer to deal with the problem in the town, with people being targeted for their race, sexuality, religion and disability.

PCSO Graham Jennings, of the town's neighbourhood police team, said he has been "shocked" by the number of cases he is dealing with.

"It really is an overwhelming problem in Newtown and one which is really to the forefront of our thinking at the moment," he said.

"We are trying to raise awareness of it because it is not right that people should be targeted for the way they look, dress or what they believe in.

"I deal with reports of hate crime and it is happening on a daily basis. We have a very multi-cultural make-up to our town and it has left me shocked, it really is a problem."

He added: "Imagine how you would feel being targeted because you are gay, bald, a lesbian or of a different race?

"We are really upping our game against it by taking action and also raising awareness.

"I am producing a leaflet and will be holding an awareness event later this month in the town centre."

PCSO Jennings said the lesser-known "mate crime" is also an issue in the area.

"This is particularly nasty, where people will take advantage of a vulnerable person under the pretence that they are their friend," he said.

"It could be someone who is elderly or who has learning disabilities and they can struggle to recognise when they are being exploited.

"They might be too afraid to tell anyone as those responsible will often make nasty threats to keep the person quiet.

"It could be because even though the person knows that the relationship is unequal or controlling its better than no friendship at all as people targeted in this way often lack a support network and live with a high level of social isolation."

PCSO Jennings said he is now teaming up with Newtown County Councillors Joy Jones and Gemma Jane Bowker to raise awareness in the town.

"They have both agreed to attend my awareness event in the market hall on October 13 and we will be on hand to speak to anybody who has concerns abut the issue.

"It is something we need to target before it becomes even worse."