Racist and homophobic hate crime has fallen dramatically during the past year in Oxford.

In the year to April 1, 149 racist incidents were recorded by Oxford police, a nine per cent drop on the number the previous year.

About a quarter of the offences were racially-aggravated assaults.

There was also a large increase in the number of racist crimes solved by police. Forty-five per cent were solved in the past year, compared with 25 per cent in 2001-2002.

There were 15 homophobic incidents reported, six fewer than the previous year. A fifth were solved, compared with a quarter in 2001-2002.

The figures, presented in a report by a Thames Valley Police's strategic crime analysis department, follow the introduction of "third party reporting" of crime, which allows victims to report incidents anonymously if they do not wish to speak to police.

John Sailsman, director of Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council, said: "I hope it is a sign people are becoming more tolerant. I would encourage the police to keep working with us."

Victims who do not wish to speak to the police can report incidents to staff at Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council and HALT (Homophobic Awareness Liaison Team), which consists of representatives of the city's lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

Forms with details of hate crimes are passed to Oxford's community and race relations officer Pc Derrice Alleyne, and victims do not have to give their name.

The forms are available at Mosques and community centres.

Pc Alleyne said: "It's down to encouraging people so they know I'm here to talk to about racist and homophobic incidents, both of which will be dealt with sensitively." A group made up of the Racial Equality Council, police, local authorities, housing associations and the Crown Prosecution Service discusses racial issues, and information about incidents is available via a shared database.

Mark Whittaker, secretary of the Oxford Gay and Lesbian Centre in St Michael's Street, said: "I think HALT has made a huge difference in the number of crimes reported, so that makes the reduction in numbers very encouraging."

He said the reduction showed society, including young people, were becoming more tolerant. But he said there were still crimes that went unreported. Police have held surgeries at gay and lesbian venues in Oxford.

A handful of incidents linked to the Iraqi conflict have occurred, including an argument outside a kebab van between students and Asian Muslims on March 15. One student was assaulted by an offender who made off. Two students were arrested for public order offences.

On March 12 the Racial Equality Council reported increased hostility towards staff, including an incident in which its door was urinated on.

Patrols were stepped up in east Oxford after an American flag was burned outside East Oxford First School on April 3. The school has an 80 per cent Asian population.

However, the report did did conclude there was a "major weakness" in relation to incidents logged on Thames Valley Police's computerised crime-recording system. The ethnic origin of victims of race-related incidents was not recorded in 62 per cent of cases.

If you have been a victim of a homophobic or racially-motivated offence call Pc Alleyne on 01865 335124 or email derrice.alleyne@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk