POLICE in the Scottish Borders are encouraging everyone to report incidents of hate that they experience or witness.

Officers say that if you have been targeted because of your disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity, they want you to report it. If you are aware of someone else being targeted, they also want you to report it.

Hate crimes can include but are not limited to: assault, verbal abuse, damage to property, threatening behaviour, robbery, harassment and online abuse.

Police Scotland say that they take hate crime very seriously and will take appropriate action and do everything they can to bring those responsible to justice.

Everyone in Scotland has rights that protect them from hate crime. Whether you live in Scotland, are here to work, or are visiting Scotland, you are protected by law from hate crime. This includes if you are currently seeking asylum or refugee status.

If English is not your first language, officers will seek the assistance of an interpreter/BSL interpreter for you. This is to help you give us your report in your first language.

Police Scotland will, where possible arrange to speak with you at a place you feel comfortable. You can also have a support person present.

If Police Scotland has enough evidence, the person responsible will be charged with the offence and reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

If there is not enough evidence Police Scotland will still record your report as a hate incident and offer you support

Once your case is with the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal service you will be kept updated on the progress of your case.

Officers also say that it is important to still report non-criminal hate incidents. This helps them get a clearer picture of what is happening in Scotland and where to focus their attention.

You can contact Police Scotland and report hate crime in the following ways:

By phoning 999 (emergency) 101 (non-emergency), In person at any police station, By completing a hate crime reporting form, at a Third Party Reporting Centre, by texting 999 (registered users only), Contact Scotland-BSL, Keep Safe Scotland App

In some cases victims and witnesses of hate crime do not feel comfortable reporting the matter directly to the police. They may feel more comfortable reporting it to someone they are familiar with or they may want support when they report.

To ensure everyone is able to report hate crime, Police Scotland works closely with a wide variety of partners who perform the role of Third Party Reporting Centres.

These partners have been trained to assist people in submitting a report to the police and can make reports on your behalf.