Hate crime numbers down nationwide

The number of hate crimes reported to the National Crime Victimization Survey fell from an estimated 239,400 in 2003 to 148,400 in 2009, according to a media release from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Here are some of Manatees's numbers, according to authorities:

* In Bradenton, there were 33 hate crimes reported in 2007, but only five in 2009.

* The sheriff's office, there were no hate crimes reported in 2003, but one reported in 2009.

* Palmetto has not had a hate crime reported since 1994.

Almost 90 percent of hate crimes were perceived to be motivated by racial or ethnic prejudice or both, the release said, and in about 98 percent of these crimes, the offender used hate-related language.

In about 54 percent of hate crimes nationwide, the offender was a stranger to the victim, the release said.