Four racism crimes every day

Published on Saturday 31 May 2008 10:34

REPORTS of racism in the Lothians have soared, with police now investigating four cases of verbal abuse every day.

The number of incidents reached its highest-ever level in the force area last year, with 1256 reports of abuse being logged.

Police chiefs said today the rise was caused by a greater willingness among the Capital's ethnic community to come forward. And the force's remote reporting scheme, where police can be contacted outwith stations, was cited for encouraging more victims to come forward.

But ethnic minority community leaders said that race attacks are growing, fuelled by terrorist atrocities.

The influx of more than 25,000 Poles into the city, as well as other economic migrants from Eastern Europe, is another factor behind the trend.

Inspector Tom Galbraith, of the diversity unit at the force's safer communities department, said the majority of the crimes were carried out in Edinburgh.

He said: "We're still aware that there's under-reporting of race crimes, but there are new mechanisms in place for recording them.

"We have remote reporting where victims can make contact, and that has led to more cases being recorded. Increased engagement with local communities through neighbourhood partnerships has also led to this rise.

"Ethnic minorities are often now in their third generation in Scotland.

"The first generation may have been reluctant to come forward, but that is no longer the case with the third.

"Victims are more confident and comfortable about coming to the police."

In 2004, a total of 614 race crimes were reported, compared with 810 for 2005 and 1036 for 2006.

Such crimes are considered aggravated breaches of the peace containing an element of racial abuse. Often, under-age drinkers trying to buy alcohol from shops who are refused launch volleys of abuse against ethnic shop- keepers.

A new victim support management project is also in the process of being created, which will give advice to those who suffer hate crimes.

Police chiefs said each incident was treated "very seriously" and this was reflected by the heavy involvement of senior officers.

Insp Galbraith added: "Race crimes are part of a report to the force executive, which includes the chief constable, every morning.

"The investigation of all race crimes in Edinburgh are overseen by an inspector to ensure they are carried out fully."

The force carried out a reassurance exercise in the city's Asian community, following the Glasgow Airport attack. Chief Constable David Strang, Deputy Chief Constable Tom Halpin and other senior officers made visits to mosques to talk with community leaders about the possible threat of increased hate crimes.

Insp Galbraith added: "In general, you do a see a spike in incidents after events such as Glasgow. The figures do tend to fluctuate. For instance, we have seen a downturn since March."

Jalal Chaudry, the Edinburgh and East of Scotland representative on the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "I believe the rise is due both to a growing confidence, particularly among the younger generation, to report racism, but also a rise in racist attacks generally.

"Some people, particularly youngsters, see what happens in parts of the Islamic world, or in this country in Glasgow, and they blame all Muslims.

"Muslims in Edinburgh used to be proud that their children prayed at our mosques and followed that devotion. Now they are also worried about what might happen to the children coming in or out."