POLICE in Ayrshire have vowed to tackle “unacceptable” hate crime as part of a new national campaign.

The new drive will focus on disability hate crime with the aim of improving the awareness, recognition and reporting of incidents whilst highlighting local partners that can support victims.

Chief Inspector Brian Anderson, Area Commander for South Ayrshire, pictured, said: “Research has shown that many people in Scotland have a long term health problem or disability whilst only a small percentage of reported hate crime relates to crimes against people with physical or learning disabilities”.

“This campaigns focus is on ensuring that people understand what hate crime is, particularly disability hate crime, to ensure that incidents do not go unreported and people feel confident in reporting them”.

“Hate crime is unacceptable in Ayrshire and we will do everything we can to prevent it and detect offenders whilst keeping victims safe and ensuring they are supported.

“Over the course of this campaign officers will be raising awareness at events across Ayrshire and online.

“I assure a professional response to all victims of hate crime but if someone decides they are not comfortable reporting the matter directly to police they can report it through one of our third party reporting centres”.

“Third party reporting centres have trained staff who can assist a victim or witness in reporting incidents to police or they can make the report on their behalf”.

You can report a Hate Crime by phoning 999 (emergency), 101 (non-

emergency), at any police station, through a third party reporting centre or

by completing a form

online.