THERE has been a "marked increase" in hate crime across South Ayrshire, according to the latest police statistics.

The figures have been revealed in Police Scotland's latest Local Performance Report to South Ayrshire Council's Service and Partnerships Performance Panel.

The data shows that during 2023/24, a total of 58 crimes were recorded whilst in 2024/25 there have been 72 so far.

The figures also show that racial crimes have decreased slightly whilst disablist and religious crimes are showing increases.

The majority of these have involved members of the public rather than police officers, who continue to mostly be subjected to homophobic and disablist slurs.

There were a total of three repeat victims identified, two were subjected to two racial crimes each and the third individual was subjected to disablist abuse.

There were a number of repeat locations identified, some of which apply to the repeat complainers. 

The report added: "On April 1, 2024, the new Hate Crime and Public Order Act (Scotland) came into effect.

"Prior to this legislation coming into effect, the law recognised hate crimes as motivated by prejudice based on disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and transgender identity.

"The new legislation extended to age and variations in sex characteristics. The new legislation sends a crucial message to victims, offenders and our wider communities that hate crime will absolutely not be tolerated.

"Incidents encompassing hate crime are subject to daily scrutiny by the Local Area Commander and reviewed on a regular basis ensuring all enquiry is conducted efficiently and effectively and to ensure all persons responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.

"We continue to recognise the impact that such crimes can have on individuals, their families and the local community.

"Some of the repeat victims and repeat locations relate to retail premises and staff members within.

"Our dedicated Prevention and Intervention officer has made contact with these individuals to offer support.

"As a result of detailed enquiry a 28-year-old male was remanded for a number of these crimes."