Homophobic abuse is an under-reported crime but do not suffer in silence'.

Research shows that this hate crime is happening across the country, but victims are not coming forward to tell the police.

Last year, 1,359 homophobic crimes were reported in London, but police estimate that around 90 per cent of hate crime is not reported. A specially-converted i-kiosk has built up a picture of homophobic crime in the borough. It has confidentially recorded 28 incidents since its launch last May but only eight people looked for further help from the police or support agencies.

Most verbal and physical incidents logged onto the i-kiosk, located at the Windsor Castle pub in Bath Road, Hounslow, were perpetrated by strangers in the street or a public place.

But there were also reports of crimes within the home, including sexual abuse, at work and in a school setting.

Now, a hard-hitting poster campaign that will be featured on display sites across the borough aims to encourage people to report homophobic crimes and stop offenders.

Coun Phil Andrews, lead member for housing and community safety, said: "Prejudice on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender is mindless and ignorant, but when that ignorance graduates to violence, intimidation and threatening behaviour, it becomes criminal.

"Sadly, many people are too scared or do not have faith that something will be done if they report what's happened to them.

"Our message is clear - please report any offences or incidents. If you are not happy with the response you get, tell your local ward councillor. Do not suffer in silence."

The campaign has been launched to coincide with Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender History Month (February) and is a collaboration between Hounslow Community Safety Partnership, West London Gay Men's Project and Victim Support Middlesex.