Police paint rainbows on the side of their police cars in an effort to tackle hate crime online and “build trust” in the LGBT + community.

Critics said the forces should focus on “real” issues such as knife crime and the colorful cars might appear less intimidating to the public.

The cost of painting cars, described as “hate crime cars”, is “fairly minimal”, but it is believed to have a “huge impact” on the community.

Deputy Police Chief Julie Cooke said: “Cars are there in communities on a normal police patrol just to show the community that we want you to show up…

Deputy Police Chief Julie Cooke said: “Cars are there in the communities on a normal police patrol just to show the community that we want you to show up.”

“He is there to try to give confidence to our LGBT + community, but also to other under-represented groups.”

It comes after reports of hate crimes have more than doubled in recent years, especially against transgender people.

It is not known how many cars will be painted with the colored badges as it depends on individual strengths.

Former police officer and founder of campaign group Fair Cop, Harry Miller, told the Telegraph: “We don’t see the Met with special stabbing cars, even though the number of stabbings in London is appalling.

It is not known how many cars will be painted with the colored badges as it depends on individual strengths

“The problem is, the second you see a rainbow car, you know it’s a police force that has made a decision on some very controversial issues.

“You no longer see a police car or a policeman who is there to support everyone, of all political persuasions, without fear or favor.

“They literally tied their colors to the mast and painted their cars with their political leanings.”