| The Executive’s statistics show 405 racist incidents were reported during 2005/06 — an increase of 72 on the previous year and 115 more than 2003/04.
Victims of the attacks in Tayside — the majority of which were verbal rather than physical — range from shopkeepers and pub door staff to police officers abused during the course of their duties.
The figures show 246 of the 405 racist incidents in Tayside during 2005/06 occurred in Dundee, up 29 on the previous year and a rise of 54 on 2003/04.
Police in Tayside have said previously the rise is linked to the fact people are being encouraged to come forward and report incidents of racial abuse with increased confidence.
There were 66 racist incidents in Angus during 2005/06 — up 20 on the previous year — and 93 in Perth and Kinross, which was up 23 on 2004/05.
Fife Police recorded 357 racist crimes during 2005/06 – down 107 on the previous year.
Scottish Ministers today reaffirmed their determination to crack down on people who display racist behaviour or commit racist crimes.
There were over 5000 racist incidents recorded by police in Scotland during 2005/06 — with over half carried out against people of Asian origin and predominantly carried out on a Friday and Saturday night by white men under 20.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson today met representatives of Muslim communities in Scotland — a follow-up to the First Minister’s recent meeting with Scotland's Imams and Mosque leaders.
Ms Jamieson said, “Crime in Scotland is falling but, within that improving picture, there remain key issues we need to tackle. Today's figures show racist crime is one.”
Dundee East MSP Shona Robison said, “Racism should not be tolerated in our society. However, we must bear in mind these figures may represent an increase in reporting and people feeling more able to report crimes of this nature to the police.
“I congratulate the work the police have done in trying to forge better links with minority communities in the city.”
Councillor Joe FitzPatrick added, “I believe more work should be done to promote harmony amongst all groups of people enjoying life in the city.
“Educating people is a key element in this process along with a zero tolerance approach to any from of racist behaviour.” |
