HATE crime has been outlined as a top concern by young people in Hampshire.

Members of the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner's Youth Commission have made recommendations on how they would like hate crime, serious violence and exploitation tackled in the future.

This comes after hate crime came out as the top concern for young people during the Commission's Big Conversation Survey which saw 2,000 young people take part.

A total of 40% of participants outlined this as a top priority, with serious violence and exploitation being second and third top priorities respectively.

Other issues such as substance misuse, mental health support and sexual violence and female safety were also raised as key concerns and Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones later welcomed the recommendations.

Commissioner Jones, said: “I would like to thank the young people who have contributed to the development of these recommendations, including members of my youth commission who have given up their free time to consult with their peers, and those young people who have shared their ideas and experiences.

“All too often we hear about crimes committed against young people. I want to support them to reduce their vulnerability, and prevent them from becoming victims or drawn into criminal behaviours.

“The sharing of these recommendations, alongside the Youth Commission on groups such as the Child Exploitation Board and the Violence Reduction Unit, will ensure that the voice of young people is not only heard by decision makers and those delivering services, but actually helps to shape the work that partners do to keep young people safe.”

Members of the commission put their recommendations on how the issues could be tabled to the Commissioner, Hampshire Constabulary and partner agencies that work with young people at a conference last Saturday.