Police Scotland sets out ongoing commitment to tackling hate crime

Police Scotland is appealing for anyone who has been targeted by hate crime to come forward as new figures continue to show a rise in reports.

Between April and December 2021, reported hate crimes (5,375) were up 5.5% on the five year average (5,096) and slightly higher than the year before (5,365).

Race-related hate continues to make up the majority of hate crime reported at just under 60% of the total, while those reporting they were targeted because of their sexual orientation accounted for over 22% of reports.

Although reports have risen, Police Scotland is seeking to increase awareness of what hate crime is and how to report an incident to support more reporting.

We will begin a national campaign in the coming weeks to encourage both victims and bystanders to recognise what hate crime is, to highlight the need to report such incidents to the police and to assure people complaints will be dealt with thoroughly and professionally.

Chief Superintendent Linda Jones said: “Targeting anyone because of who they are is deplorable. Hate crime should have no place in society and will not be tolerated.

“Hate crime can leave people feeling isolated, spread through their family and into the wider community and create pockets of people who may feel unwelcome or rejected.

“Everyone has a right to live safely as their true and authentic selves, without fear of prejudice.

“We understand it can be hard for people to report a hate crime, and in some cases to even recognise or acknowledge that they have been a victim. Some people have been exposed to hate crimes for weeks, months or even years before they are able to report.

“Every complaint is professionally and thoroughly investigated and we treat people who bravely come forward with sensitivity, respect and dignity. We also offer further support to victims of crime through referrals to a number of partners.”

Defined as a crime which is perceived by the victim, or anyone else, as being motivated by malice or ill-will towards a social group, hate crime can be a physical assault or a verbal attack, a one-off incident or a prolonged series of situations. Hate crime can occur as an in-person incident or online.

Hate crime legislation covers five protected characteristics – disability, race, religion/belief, sexual orientation and transgender identity.