More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Hate crimes against people with disabilities in Kent have more than doubled, according to the latest figures.
Police records show 347 offences were committed in 2017-18, compared to 157 in 2016-2017 - an increase of 121%.
The crimes included 112 public order offences and 189 known as 'violence against the person', which includes physical assaults, stalking, harassment and malicious communications.
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Other offences carried out against people with disabilities included fraud, sexual offences, arson, and criminal damage.
In July a man was jailed for 10 years after smothering a disabled woman with amonia in her own home and in May a man in a mobility scooter was attacked in the high street.
United Response, which supports people with learning and physical disabilities and mental health issues, obtained the statistics via a Freedom of Information request.
Joanne Silkstone, the charity's hate crime lead, said: “It beggars belief that that there are people out there who are targeting some of society’s most vulnerable people and doing them harm.
“This is unacceptable and we all must do everything we can to empower those who suffer this type of appalling abuse and discrimination to speak out.
“Victims must know that they need not suffer in silence.
"With the right tools, we can help them to report these crimes to the police when they do experience hate crimes.”
Of the 43 forces in England and Wales, only 32 responded which suggests there would have been more than the 5,342 cases recorded during the last 12 months.
West Yorkshire police saw more hate crimes occurring than any other region with 536 and Gloucestershire and Humberside saw the biggest increases of 167% and 132% respectively.
United Response chief executive officer, Tim Cooper, added: “Often this is a hidden and underreported crime.
"Victims can sometimes lack the confidence in coming forward and reporting their experiences to the authorities.
"Sometimes they don’t realise they have been a victim of hate crime.
“That is why it is crucial to equip people with disabilities with the knowledge they need to stand up to bullies and bigots.”
