Race hate crimes fall but other types up in 2016-17

Charges of race hate crimes in Scotland fell by 10% in 2016-17, but other forms of hate crime rose, according to new Scottish Government figures.

While racial incidents are the most common form of hate crime charges brought by police, sexual orientation-related charges increased by 5% compared to 2015-16, the number of religiously aggravated charges was the highest since 2012-13, and charges under the football-related Offensive Behaviour Act rose by 32% on the previous year to 377, 140 of these charges relating to the Scottish Cup Final on 21 May 2016 when the pitch was invaded at the end of the match.

Minister for Community Safety Annabelle Ewing commented: “Any crime motivated by prejudice is absolutely unacceptable. While the statistics show a decrease in reported racial crimes, there have been increases in those related to sexual orientation, religion and transgender identity and we cannot be complacent about these crimes are dealt with.

“I remain concerned that hate crimes are under-reported and want to encourage anyone who has been subjected to such appalling acts to come forward to ensure that perpetrators can be dealt with appropriately. We will keep engaging with community leaders on how best to raise awareness of how such crimes can be reported and in the meantime. We will continue to work with Police Scotland and others to ensure a robust response to perpetrators.

“Scotland does not exist in isolation from the rest of the world and we know that global events have an impact on the levels of hate crime that different communities are subjected to. We must ensure that we have appropriate legislation in place to deal with those who continue to perpetrate prejudice, bigotry and hatred, which is why I commissioned the Independent Review of Hate Crime Legislation in Scotland and expect that its findings will help us to ensure that our hate crime legislation is fit for the 21st century."

Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, head of safer communities, Police Scotland, added: “I would always encourage anyone who has been the victim of hate crime in any form, whether because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity or any other individual circumstance, to come forward and report it to the police. It is only through reporting offences that we can form a more complete picture of the issue and address is in the most robust manner possible."