Crackdown on hate crime

POLICE have launched a three-year plan to cut hate crime in Scotland.

The initiative is designed to help people who are victims of intimidation, harassment or physical assault because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, and aims to make communities safer by promoting better understanding and recording of hate incidents, identifying any trends and caring for victims of hate crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Gordon, of Central Scotland Police: "Those who think it's acceptable to commit a criminal act against another individual because of homophobia, transphobia, religious bigotry, racism or disability need to realise this behaviour has no place in our communities."