HOMOPHOBIC crime in Dorset is massively under-reported due to a lack of trust in the police, it has been claimed.

Just 183 incidents have been reported countywide in the last five years, prompting fears that those behind hate crime are getting away with it.

Now officers sympathetic to the fears of those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) communities have organised an open forum in a bid to encourage victims of intimidation to come forward.

Representatives from Dorset Police, including Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs) and Bournemouth council will be on hand to listen to concerns and to answer questions.

The LGBT open forum will be held on Friday at 6.30pm at the Branksome Arms Hotel in Commercial Road, Bournemouth.

It will be chaired by Superintendent Colin Searle, head of the Dorset Police Partnership and Diversity Development Team. Councillors and equal opportunities officers are also due to attend.

Members of the public from across the county are invited to attend the meeting, which is scheduled to last 90 minutes.

Organisers are particularly keen to see people from outlying areas of Dorset which are not served by LAGLO officers.

PC Martin Strange, a LAGLO officer in Bournemouth, said many members of the community fear their complaints will not be taken seriously if they approach the police.

He said there is widespread anger about recent police operations at Studland Bay which many believe have singled out gay men for prosecution.

LAGLO officers also operate a special 24-hour, confidential helpline for anyone with concerns. It can be contacted on 01202 269911.

First published: September 1