Hate crime figures fall but disability attacks reach record high
Statistics from the Scottish Government reveal that despite a fall in nearly all categories, hate crimes recorded against disabled people have surged to record levels.
The statistics are the first to include crimes under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act, which came into force on April 1 last year.
Overall, there were 6019 hate crimes recorded in 2024-25 – down 1.2% on the year before.
But charges aggravated by disability rose by 15% to 1069 – the highest annual number recorded since the legislation creating the aggravation came into force in 2010.
Recorded hate crimes against disabled people have risen consistently since the start of the last decade.
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Race continued to be the most commonly reported hate crime in Scotland, with 3357 such charges being recorded over the last year.
The figure, accounting for 55% of hate crimes, represents a decrease of 2.2% compared to the year before.
Hate crimes over sexual orientation, the second most common type, decreased by 8.7% to 1699 – the lowest number of charges since 2020.
Religious hate crime charges also decreased by 5.1% to 505, the lowest annual number since 2004.
Hate crime charges against transgender people were down by one to 86.
There were 88 charges related to age and 13 related to variations in sex characteristics, both of which are new aggravators included in the Hate Crime Act.
There were 27 charges of stirring up hatred relating to race and another 65 for stirring up hatred against 'other protected characteristics' – both new charges under the Act.
The Lord Advocate, Scotland's top law officer, urged the public to be vigilant over hate crime.
(Image: PA)
Dorothy Bain KC (above) said hate-fuelled crime continued to be a blight on Scotland's communities and urged the public to report any incidents to the police.
She said: 'There is no room for complacency in our response to – and recognition of – hate crime.
'Last year, prosecutors at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) received reports with more than 6,000 charges fuelled by hatred and targeted at people who are simply being themselves.
'Today's publication highlights the shameful prejudice which persists and – in relation to those affected by disability – has been exposed in increasing numbers.
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'Those of us who wish to live in a tolerant society find this abhorrent. Hate crime has hugely damaging effects on victims, their families and the wider community.
'COPFS will play its part in helping to make Scotland a safer place by prosecuting robustly those who victimise others through their own ignorance or bigotry.'
Scottish Conservative Tory MSP Liam Kerr said: 'These figures reveal Humza Yousaf's Hate Crime Act for what it is – a completely unnecessary law that's a drain on police resources.
'We repeatedly warned that this bad law was unworkable and would lead to the police having to deal with a slew of spurious complaints.
'The relatively small number of charges being brought appears to bear this out.
'Instead of asking the police to continually enforce flawed legislation, SNP ministers should prioritise funding our police force so they can properly keep our communities safe.'
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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
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Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
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Daily Record
an hour ago
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Scotland's streets of shame as figures show city shopping areas the worst for crime
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Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In June, the Daily Record revealed how shoplifting is at its highest level for more than 50 years fuelled by organised crime, drugs and the cost-of-living crisis. Scottish Government figures showed shoplifting increased last year by 16 per cent from 38,674 cases to 44,730. It represents a 57 per cent rise in the 10 year period between 2015 and 2025. Yesterday shopkeepers based in Argyle Street told of how shoplifting has become an everyday norm. Hatem Fouchali, 45, is manager of the King of Bling clothing shop opposite Glasgow Central Station. He gets between two and three shoplifting incidents a week targeting the stores designer clothing and sportswear which includes £90 basketball tops. Hatem says the thieves are normally opportunist and often work in pairs with one pretending to show the other an item of clothing before pilfering it. Hatem added: "We had a couple of women aged 20-25 and two men in their mid 30's trying to steal clothing last week. "Both were working in pairs. We managed to stop them and get the clothing back. However when we looked at the CCTV later we realised that the two men had got away with a top which we hadn't noticed at the time." Hatem says that the number of shoplifting incidents have steadily increased over the years and it is the worst he has known it. His staff don't always call the police but are happy to recover the stolen items and throw the shoplifters out the store Hatem however would like to see more officers on the beat on Argyle Street He added:"If there is an incident on Argyle Street the police are always quick to react. "But that is normally the only time you see them. "I think if there were officers regularly patrolling up and down during the day that would be a big deterrent to shoplifting and other crime. Central Park who are next door say they are regularly targeted by shoplifters particularly groups of young male and female thieves who come into the shop and steal a variety of items from bars of chocolate to vaping products. 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Police say are also working closely with British Transport Police to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime in the area around Central Station. A spokesperson added: "The busiest and most densely populated areas will result in a higher number of crimes being reported. "These city centre areas include busy shopping areas and popular night-time economies. "Dedicated policing plans are in place with high visibility patrols to deal with various aspects of criminal behaviour. Officers also work closely with local businesses, licensed and retail premises to provide support and ensure there is a consistent approach to tackling crime and disorder."
