A NEW campaign aimed at tackling hate crime in its various forms comes to Galashiels this week.

Officers from the Safer Communities team will give a presentation to members of the public in the Interchange Building as part of an event hosted by he Scottish Borders LGBT Equality group.

The event, which runs between 6.30pm and 9pm tomorrow (Tuesday, October 11), is an opportunity for the police as well as other organisations including Transgender Scotland, the Equality Network and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), to describe the progress they have made in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. 

This will form part of Police Scotland's Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from Saturday, October 8 to Saturday, October 15.

The campaign aims to tackle prejudice and prosecute anyone involved in such offences. 

Constable Susie Ross who is an Equality & Diversity Officer based in Dalkeith said: "Any form of hate crime is unacceptable, which is why events such as this one are so important to highlight this message. 

"Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community. 

"There is no place for prejudice in modern society and Police Scotland is committed to tackling these offences wherever and whenever they occur. 

"We take all such reports very seriously and will conduct thorough investigations to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

"If anyone feels that they have been the victim of, or witness to, a crime which is motivated by malice or ill will because of sexual orientation, race, religion or gender identity then please get in touch with Police Scotland on 101."