New poster to be displayed in Glasgow as hate crimes soar
It comes as hate crimes in the city have increased by 42% compared to the previous year to date, according to police figures. They include offences motivated by prejudice include against someone's race, sexual orientation and religion among other protected characteristics.
So far this year, there have been 1,974 hate crimes recorded for 2024 to 2025 up until March this year compared to 1,387 during the previous year over the same period.
According to police, the rise is likely due to 'greater public awareness of recent hate crime legislation' and changes in recording – with every allegation within an incident counted separately.
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Councillor Elaine McSporran, chair of the Glasgow hate crime working group, said: 'We were looking at a campaign and generic poster that everyone can use – that will go into bus stops, public transport including the subway, housing associations at the concierge.
'It will be everywhere. It is to raise awareness of how people can report a hate crime whether they do it directly through the police, or through a third party or even through a councillor who will direct them to the right people.'
Pointing out it will be available very soon, the SNP politician said it is hoped the awareness campaign would encourage more people to have the 'courage' to report their experiences.
She told last week's Safe Glasgow Partnership meeting that swift action and 'working in partnership is the only way forward and the only way we can eradicate this kind of behaviour.'
Speaking at the meeting, Glasgow Chief Superintendent Emma Croft said the increased offences were mostly related to racial or sexual orientation hate crimes.
The Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander added that officers are continuing to work 'diligently to maintain increased detection rates and ensure victims are supported and informed. '
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