HATE CRIME ON THE RISE Bathgate sees 36 per cent increase on 2017 figures

Bathgate has seen hate crime rise by 36 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Statistics from a Police Scotland report also revealed that vandalism was also up by 10 per cent in the town.

The figures were revealed to members of Bathgate Community Council at a recent meeting and cover the five months from April to August.

During that time, 15 hate crimes were reported to Police Scotland, compared with 11 from April to August last year.

There was some good news however, as the report stated that as a whole, figures in areas such as anti-social behaviour and assault in public places had fallen.

Hate crimes are prejudice-motivated crimes and people can be targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation or gender, among other things.

Deputy area commander for West Lothian, Inspector Adam Smith, said the force takes such crimes extremely seriously and urged victims to speak up.

He continued: “We do not tolerate any form of hate crime in West Lothian and whilst 15 such offences in Bathgate is a very low number for this five-month period, I would be disappointed

if there was just one hate crime.

“I would urge anyone who is a victim of or witnesses any hate crime or incident to please come forward so we can take action and provide support.

“Reports can be made by calling 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress or through a third party reporting centre, details of which can be found on our website.”

David Main, a member of Bathgate Community Council, said the statistics and what could be done about them were discussed by those at the meeting.

He continued: “At the September meeting we had two police officers in attendance who came to discuss some of last year’s crime statistics, which can be found in their annual report for 2017/ 18, which relate to Bathgate over the past year.

“On the whole figures in areas such as anti-social behaviour and assault in public places are down by 12 per cent and 37 per cent respectively but instances of hate crime and vandalism have increased by 36 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

“So what does this all mean? Is Bathgate becoming a more lawless place?

“It would be foolish to decide from a few figures such a loaded question, especially when one remembers that the actual numbers of offenders involved is likely to be comparatively low. In some instances it is the action of a very small group.

“Certainly there are fewer police on Bathgate’s streets as a result of council cutbacks, which is having an impact on what the police can do with fewer resources in terms of police numbers, but perhaps a solution might be offered by the greater use of technology.

“Ne v e r t h e l e s s the community council passed a vote of thanks to the police for largely maintaining the town peace.”

MSP Neil Findlay said the figures were worrying.

He continued: “These are very concerning statistics.

“Hate crime is a cowardly and nasty crime that singles out and targets people because of their race, colour, religion, gender, sexuality, disability or other characteristic.

“We know that our police officers are under huge pressures due to cuts to services and the loss of support staff but an increase like this cannot be ignored.

“We all want to live in a peaceful and cohesive society and here is evidence of the impact of the cuts to our community policing.”

These are very concerning statistics