A NEW police vehicle has been unveiled with the aim of giving greater confidence to victims and witnesses of homophobic and transphobic abuse to report issues.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, Simon Hayes, and Hampshire Constabulary are working closely with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community to reinforce trust in policing.

A police Ford Focus carrying the existing artwork of Hampshire Constabulary’s established Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLO) was unveiled at the force’s family day event in Netley.

A homophobic or transphobic incident can include abusive or threatening language on the streets, in sports grounds, at work or in private.

Chief Inspector Julie Fry, chairwoman of the force’s LGBT resource group, said: “Under-reporting of hate crime and incidents within LGBT communities must be addressed.

“This vehicle, which has been produced thanks to a successful bid for funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), will be used by police officers and staff to visit community events to raise awareness of how to report homophobic and transphobic hate crime incidents and other issues affecting LGBT communities.”

Simon Hayes added: “Hampshire Constabulary has consistently been recognised by Stonewall, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights charity, as one of the most ‘gay-friendly’ police forces in the country.

“Despite this, I am informed that barriers sometimes exist between police officers and those from the LGBT communities. To help further strengthen relations between police and this community, I have funded this specially branded police vehicle which will be staffed by specially trained Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs).”