Hate crimes against gays in Los Angeles County soared last year to their highest mark in five years even as overall crime dropped across the region, according to a report released last week. 111 hate crimes based on sexual orientation were reported, a 9% increase from 2006; more than 90% were against gay men. The annual report by the county's human relations commission shows 763 hate crimes were reported in 2007, a 28% increase from 2006. Information in the report is complied from law enforcement agencies, schools and universities, community organisations and directly from victims. The commission then decides which incidents fit the legal definition of hate crimes, so numbers in the report do not necessarily reflect the outcome of criminal investigations. According to the U.S. Justice Department, for every hate crime that is reported to police, as many as 28 are not reported, often for fear of retaliation or concerns about talking to authorities. This story continues on the link below.