Downturn blamed for racism rise

Financial difficulties could be a factor in fuelling tensions.

Tensions caused by economic difficulties and competition for jobs could be behind an increase in racism in the Highlands, police have said.

Poles, many who have come to the Highlands and Islands to work, are among the groups being targeted.

English people were also among those more likely to be the victims of abuse.

Northern Constabulary said such incidents were treated seriously and the rise was also a result of people feeling confident in reporting them.

Figures on racist incidents were contained in a paper to Northern Joint Police Board.

They show 130 were reported in 2005/06, 124 in 2006/07 and 142 in 2007/08.

Of the total number of incidents from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2008, 108 were against English people and 31 Poles.

INCIDENTS FACT FILE Northern Constabulary compiled totals for incidents reported between 2005 and 2008. Most were reported in Inverness (147), followed by Ross and Cromarty (72); Caithness and Sutherland (52); Lochaber and Skye (36); Badenoch, Strathspey and Nairn (31); Western Isles (31); Shetland (14) and Orkney (13). Police said 124 victims were other white British, 68 were of other white background, 38 were white Scottish. Fourteen Africans, four Iraqis and a Peruvian were also targeted.

Referring to the targeting of Poles, the report said: "This increase in incidents involving victims of other white backgrounds could indicate emerging tensions due to increased competition for jobs due to the current economic downturn."

Chief Constable Ian Latimer said the constabulary's detection rate for racist crimes was more than 90%.

The force is developing an online service for people to report incidents which will be available on Northern's website.

A police spokesman said: "We treat crimes of this nature extremely seriously and would urge people who feel they have been the victim to report it to us and the matter will be thoroughly investigated."