Hate Crime

Hate Crime is any criminal offence committed against an individual or property that is motivated by a person's hatred of someone because of his or her actual or perceived race, religion, transgender identity, sexual orientation or disability.

Hate Crime is wrong, it is against the law, and everyone has the right to live safely and without fear. No two individuals are ever the same - embrace individuality and help put an end to Hate Crime by reporting it.

You can report a Hate Crime in any of the following ways:

• By telephone 999 (emergency) 101 (non-emergency)
• In person at any Police office
• On-Line Police Scotland Hate Crime Reporting Form (opens new window)
• Visit a 3rd Party Reporting Centre

Third party reporting

In some cases victims/witnesses of Hate Crime do not feel comfortable reporting the matter directly to the Police and may be more comfortable reporting it to someone they are familiar with.

To ensure all victims/witnesses are able to report Hate Crimes, Police Scotland works in partnership with a wide variety of partners who perform the role of 3rd Party Reporting Centers. Staff within 3rd Party Reporting Centers have been trained to assist a victim or witness in submitting a report to the police and can make such a report on the victim/witnesses behalf.

Examples of 3rd Party Reporting Centers participating in the scheme range from Housing Associations to Victim Support offices and Voluntary Groups. In West Lothian, third party reporting can take place at: