Campaign aims to cut 'hate crime'
A campaign has been launched to target homophobic and racist attacks and other "hate crimes" in the Central Scotland Police area.
The three-year plan aims to introduce better systems for recording these crimes and to improve care for victims.
Councils, emergency services, local services and colleges will work together on the strategy.
A police spokesman said the Multi-Agency Hate Response Strategy would build on current work.
Harassment or assault on the grounds of colour, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation will be among the offences targeted.
Chief Constable Gordon Samson, who chairs the steering group, said: "Anyone who believes they have been a victim of an incident motivated by hate can have confidence in reporting it to the authorities and of receiving a professional service."