On this page:

Crime, Disorder and Danger - Racist Incidents

High Level Summary of Statistics Trend Last update: Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Racist Incidents

The definition of a racist incident as given by Sir William MacPherson in his Report on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry is "any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person."

The total number of incidents recorded by the police in Scotland decreased by 1 per cent from 2006/07 to 2007/08 (from 5,321 to 5,243). The number of crimes recorded increased by less than half of one percent in 2007/08 (from 6,653 to 6,672 crimes).

Number of racist incidents recorded by the police in Scotland, 2004/05 to 2007/08

View chart data

Source: Justice Analytical Services

Note (1): It is important to note that these statistics cover only incidents reported to the police, not all racist incidents.

Further Information

Page updated: Tuesday, May 12, 2009