RACIST and religious hate crime in Bexley increased by nearly 60 per cent last year, according to new figures.

There were 205 victims across the borough in 2012 compared to 131 in 2011 – an increase of 74 incidents or 56 per cent.

Burglary rose 14 per cent and domestic crime 11 per cent, but homicide fell 80 per cent, robbery 35 per cent and there was a 57 per cent fall in homophobic crime.

Borough Commander Superintendent Peter Ayling admitted the growth in hate crime represented a “sizeable increase” at a meeting of Bexley Council’s Crime and Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday (March 4).

He said: “I would like to think that part of that increase is the result of increased confidence to report crimes in the minority communities in the north of the borough.

“Part is due to new definitions and part to the way offences are flagged.”

The summary of the 2013 joint strategic assessment on crime in Bexley added: “The overall number of these offences is still relatively low so the percentage increase must be seen in that context.

“During 2012 the Bexley Community Safety Partnership actively promoted the reporting of hate crime and this publicity drive may be a contributory factor that explains the increase.”

Christchurch, Erith and North End wards recorded the highest levels of commonly recorded crimes such as robbery, criminal damage and violence against person – just as they did in 2011.

Bexley continues to have the lowest crime rate in London according to the report, with one homicide in 2012 – compared to five in 2011 – and a fall in robberies from 362 in 2011 to 236 last year.

Racist and religious hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by hostility towards someone based on their race or religion.