PEOPLE affected by hate crime are being urged to come forward to police to ensure perpetrators can be properly dealt with.

The plea has been issued amid concerns that offences in East Renfrewshire influenced by the likes of race and religion are being “under-reported.”

Chief Superintendent Barry McEwan, head of safer communities for Police Scotland, said: “I would always encourage anyone who has been the victim of hate crime in any form, whether because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity or any other individual circumstance, to come forward and report it to the police.

“It is only through reporting offences that we can form a more complete picture of the issue and address it in the most robust manner possible.

“Police Scotland will not tolerate any attempts to target any community by any misguided individual or group and will work with all of our partners to resolve any issues and address any concerns.

“Should anyone become a victim of, or witness to, any hate crime, they should contact the police and report the incident by calling 101, or 999 if it is an emergency.”

A series of reports covering hate crime in Scotland shows the number of religiously-aggravated charges is at its highest level since 2012/13.

Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Community Safety, said: “Any crime motivated by prejudice is absolutely unacceptable. While the statistics show a decrease in reported racial crimes, there have been increases in those related to sexual orientation, religion and transgender identity and we cannot be complacent about these crimes are dealt with.

“I remain concerned that hate crimes are under-reported and want to encourage anyone who has been subjected to such appalling acts to come forward to ensure that perpetrators can be dealt with appropriately.

“We will keep engaging with community leaders on how best to raise awareness of how such crimes can be reported.”