The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Drop in Perth and Kinross hate crimes welcomed
STATISTICS: Racially-aggravated cases have dropped substantially
The number of recorded hate crimes in Perth and Kinross is at a new low.
Details released by Police Scotland show that the number of racially aggravated cases has dropped to 49 this year, from 70 in 2014–15.
The new stats have been welcomed by charity Show Racism the Red Card, which also raised concerns that some incidents continue to go unreported.
A spokeswoman said: “As a campaign we are thrilled there has been a consistent drop in racist hate crime reported in Perth and Kinross.
“While this is something that should be celebrated, it is important to remember that this only represents those that have felt able and confident to report racism.
“As an education charity, Show Racism the Red Card feels there is still a significant number of racist incidents going unreported.
“Young people and adults feel underequipped in recognising what they are witnessing or experiencing as a crime.
“Similarly, teaching professionals feel under-resourced to challenge what they are witnessing in the classroom, or in some worrying cases, experiencing, as racist discrimination.”
Tayside senior officer Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd said: “We recognise the deep personal impact hate crime has on individuals, their families and wider communities.
“Police Scotland is committed to reviewing and investigating all reports of hate, however we are aware that hate crime is still under-reported.
“It is only through reporting offences that we can form a more complete picture of the issue and address it in the most robust manner possible.”
Police Scotland defines a hate crime as “any crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by malice and ill will towards a social group.”
It is only through reporting offences that we can... address it in the most robust manner possible.
CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ANDREW TODD