Do not suffer in silence, hate victims told

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage the victims of hate crime in Edinburgh to report incidents to police.

Posters highlighting the issue have been put up in pubs, clubs and other night-time venues, while radio advertising will also be used over the festive period.

It will be followed next month by the distribution of leaflets in a number of ethnic languages, targeting people most at risk.

Councillor Paul Edie, the city's community safety leader, said: "There is no place in this day and age for any behaviour that targets someone because of their race or ethnicity.

"This campaign is urging the public to take action if they see someone falling victim to racist abuse or assault. We want to send out a clear message any sort of racially motivated harassment will not be tolerated."

Superintendent Ivor Marshall, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Campaigns like this one highlight that we will not tolerate hate crime, and will take robust measures against anyone committing such offences.

"Our safer neighbourhood teams will work in conjunction with our partners at the City of Edinburgh Council to investigate any report we receive."