REPORTS of homophobic crimes in Gwent have more than doubled in the last year, police have revealed.

Between 2002 and 2003 there were 33 reported crimes, but in the last 12 months that increased to 71.

Recorded racist incidents went up from 249 in 2002-3 to 267. Police say the increases are due to an improved confidence from minority groups that officers will investigate claims.

To get a clearer picture of 'hate crime' police are today launching a new initiative to encourage victims to come forward.

Gwent Police believe incidents of racist, religious, homophobic and transphobic crime are under-reported, and are looking to find out the extent of the problem.

The True Vision initiative encourages hate crime victims to contact police, anonymously if preferred, about attacks against them.

Victims can use a third party to tell police about incidents if they wish. Catherine Phelps, the Gwent Police diversity officer, said: "There is a historical stigma attached to being gay but we do take homophobic incidents seriously.

"The increase in reported crime shows there is an increase in confidence from the community that we will investigate such matters."

Chief Constable Mike Tonge said: "We are aware hate crime is under-reported and we want to encourage people to come forward to help us gain more of an insight into the true level of incidents in Gwent." He said police were keen to hear from victims and witnesses of hate crime.

Mr Tonge said a better insight into hate crime would give victims a better opportunity of having an incident investigated and seeing the offender brought to justice.

True Vision's main element is to give hate crime reporting packs with forms to be filled in by victims or third parties.

The packs also contain useful contact numbers, tips on personal safety, and advice for victims and witnesses.

Packs are available from Victim Support, hospitals and libraries. Twenty-two police forces across the country have now introduced the True Vision initiative.