POLICE chiefs throughout the North-East have banded together in a concerted bid to tackle hate crime.

The initiative between the Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces is aimed at encouraging hundreds of gay, lesbian and bisexual people, who may be falling victim to attacks, to report incidents.

Durham Chief Constable George Hedges said many victims were left feeling vulnerable, isolated and excluded from the wider community.

They were often reluctant to complain because of a perception the police would not take the matter seriously.

Mr Hedges said: "This is not a case of being politically correct. We mean business and are determined to address the issue. Hate crimes are the most insidious crimes."

In the past 12 months, 150 homophobic incidents were reported in the region, ranging from verbal abuse and daubing of property to physical attacks.

But research has shown that 75 per cent of victims never report the matter to the police.

The three forces have appointed designated liaison officers who are dealing specifically with homophobic-related issues. Special incident reporting forms have been produced inviting victims to either report incidents to the police, anonymously or through a third party.

Durham Constabulary liaison officer Detective Inspector Neil Malkin said: "The hatred is directed in the main at lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.

"But there are also other minority groups, such as transsexuals and transvestites, who are also singled out for abuse."

Ady Davis, manager of a gay and bisexual men's community project, MESMAC, said: "The three police forces in the North-East are making a national leap forward in terms of working positively with gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women."