THE number of hate crimes recorded in the Borders fell by more than 20% in the six months from April 1 to September 30 this year.

Friday’s meeting of the Police, Fire & Rescue Service and Safer Communities Board heard that 33 such offences had been reported, compared to 42 in the corresponding period of 2013/14.

The predominant motivation was race which was responsible for 22 of the new crimes, followed by seven which were homophobic, two which evidenced religious hatred and one each where the victims were disabled or transgender.

“While it’s pleasing to note fewer recorded victims of hate crime, we will continue to increase confidence in reporting this type of crime with our minority groups throughout the Borders,” said Chief Inspector Andy McLean.

Earlier, he revealed that the total number of reported crimes in the region fell by 118 – from 1,695 to 1,577 – over the six months.

However, the overall police detection rate was also on the slide, down from 55.1% to 51.9%, although CI McLean cautioned: “We expect the detection trend to turn upwards in the next few weeks with some very positive investigations under way.” Other keynote statistics for the six months included: A reduction in common assaults from 383 to 500; no change in the number (27) of people detected for supplying drugs; a cut in housebreakings to domestic properties from 126 to 107 and fewer thefts from motor vehicles – down 48 to 34.

In a separate report for the same time period by the multi-agency Safer Communities Team, based at Newtown, Chief Inspector John Scott gave more detail on joint efforts to cut the level and impact of anti-social behaviour (ASB)– a major concern of the public in the most recent Scottish Borders Council household survey.

He said although there had been a “marginal increase” in overall ASB incidents – from 2,802 to 2,835, the number involving youths had fallen from 904 to787.

“This is a very positive reduction which, if it continues until the end of 2014/15, will produce the lowest number of youth ASB incidents over the past five years,” said CI Scott.

The praised the “exceptionally positive and proactive approach” of partner agencies, including social work and housing associations, which had increased the number of ASB “early interventions” from 494 to 609.

He revealed that around 100 staff from these organisations had taken part in training sessions and now had good knowledge of ASB legislation and local policies and procedures.

However, he noted that only 41% of the Borders public who witnessed anti-social behaviour actually reported it.

“Those who don’t report it say they fear reprisals and that, in any case, they don’t think anything will be done because it is not considered a serious issue,” reported CI Scott.

“I can assure the public that we take the issue of anti-social behaviour very seriously and will continue to do so.”