Dyfed Powys Police are showing their support for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) history month - by flying the rainbow flag above their buildings in February.

LGBT History Month takes place each year in February and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

A statement from Dyfed Powys Police said: "The theme for 2018 is ‘Geography - Mapping the World’ and Dyfed-Powys Police have LGBT Liaison Officers working across the whole force area. They will work with victims of all crime (not just hate crime) and have received comprehensive training on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity. They are also trained to provide effective support to LGBT victims of crime, including hate crime, domestic abuse and sexual abuse."

According to LGBT campaigning group Stonewall, one in five LGBT people in the UK have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the last 12 months, while two in five trans people have experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity.

The group says four out of five anti-LGBT hate crimes and incidents go unreported, with younger LGBT people particularly reluctant to go to the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Claire Parmenter said Dyfed Powys were working hard to increase confidence and trust in policing services in all communities.

"Flying the rainbow flag this month sends a clear message of support to our communities. We are encouraging people to engage with us and report crimes to us, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"In Dyfed-Powys Police we take crimes involving members of the LGBT community extremely seriously"

Angharad Lewis, Equality, Diversity and Welsh Language Manager said: "The force Gender Identity Working group is continuing to deliver on the recommendations made last year to improve practices and procedures to ensure that Dyfed-Powys Police continues to provide a fair and equal service to all those we serve and employ."