The investigation of racist attacks is to become a priority of officers working in the Spen Valley and Mirfield.

At the launch of the crackdown today, it was revealed that all officers working in the Dewsbury Police Division have received race training and incidents of racism are to be monitored with repeat victims getting extra help.

Community safety officer Charlie Glass said he hoped to see a further increase in the number of race attacks reported so the police could build a clearer picture of the problem.

He said: "Only a small percentage of racist attacks are reported to the police but we believe there is an increasing confidence among people to come forward.

"It's a happy coincidence that the crackdown comes when racism has a high profile because of the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence.

"We want the public to feel the police will deal with their complaints.

"We are determined to crack down on racist offenders."

During the 12 months up to March 31 this year, there were 132 incidents of racism recorded by the division, which covers Birstall, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Mirfield.

They included: 25 assaults, 22 cases of racially motivated damage (such as smashed windows), 72 cases of harassment (46 verbal), and 13 'others' (rarer crimes such as the sending of hate mail).

Superintendent Adam Briggs welcomed a rise in the number of reported racist incidents as evidence of increased confidence that people were more willing to report them to the police.

The crackdown comes after similar campaigns to stop repeat burglaries and domestic violence.

Officers worked in partnership with a number of other agencies, including the Kirklees Racial Equality Council, to develop the initiative.

Maqsood Ahmad, Director of Kirklees Racial Equality Council, said: "We know from experience that victims of racist incidents tend to suffer repeated actions.

"Early intervention can help to stamp out these crimes and provide more reassurance and confidence to people in minority communities.

"We welcome this strategy and we feel sure it can prove successful in North Kirklees."

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