The number of hate crimes is up in Rockland County, according to newly released statistics.

In 2008, the number of reported hate crimes was four, in 2009 it jumped to 17, and last year the number climbed again to 24.

There have been reports of swastikas and nooses being found in parts of the county. Wilbur Aldridge, director for the mid-Hudson and Westchester chapters of the NAACP, blames the bad economy and other factors for the rise in hate crimes.

According to the Rockland County District Attorney's Office, one reason for the uptick in hate crimes is the fact that Rockland is the most ethnically diverse county in the state.