Police Scotland Withholds Asylum Hotel Crime Data Amid Community Tensions

Police Scotland has declined to release data regarding crime incidents at asylum hotels in Scotland, citing concerns that such disclosures could exacerbate community tensions and lead to violence. The national force's decision follows a Freedom of Information request from the Scottish Daily Express, which sought information on police call-outs, recorded crimes, and arrests at five specific migrant hotels: the Muthu Glasgow River Hotel in Erskine, McLays Guest House in Glasgow, The Watermill Hotel in Paisley, The Bruce Hotel in East Kilbride, and the Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk.

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

Police Scotland officials expressed apprehension that releasing the requested data could incite further protests and counter-protests, which have already been prevalent in the past year. The force noted that the current climate surrounding asylum and immigration issues has heightened the potential for harm resulting from the disclosure of such information. They stated, "In the current climate it is our assessment that data regarding these premises has the potential to increase community tensions... which could put individuals... at increased risk of physical harm."

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr criticized the decision, arguing that public bodies are following the lead of the Scottish National Party (SNP) government, which he claims is "addicted to secrecy." Kerr emphasized that the request for information was reasonable and that Police Scotland should not hide behind what he termed "spurious excuses."

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

Despite withholding the statistics, Police Scotland cautioned that any crime figures at these locations could be influenced by the presence of demonstrators rather than the actions of asylum seekers themselves. Officials noted, "Incidents and indeed crimes at these locations could be linked to protest activity and not to the residents themselves."

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

The protests surrounding the Cladhan Hotel intensified after a former resident, Sadeq Nikzad, was convicted in June 2025 for the rape of a local girl. Subsequent incidents, including charges against another resident, Muhammad Sheikhi, for sexual assaults, have further fueled public outcry. The police have reported multiple arrests during these protests, highlighting the volatile situation surrounding asylum accommodations.

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

Police Scotland has maintained that while they have previously disclosed data for similar premises, the current environment necessitates caution. They acknowledged attempts to anonymize the data but reiterated that the emotive nature of the subject could still lead to harm.

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

There is a notable discrepancy in the information regarding the status of the hotels mentioned in the Freedom of Information request. While Police Scotland confirmed that some of these locations have housed homeless individuals, including refugees or asylum seekers, it has not definitively stated whether all the hotels listed are currently accommodating migrants.

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

• “Furthermore, in the current climate it is our assessment that data regarding these premises has the potential to increase community tensions around these properties, which would not only require an increased police response but could also put individuals (police officers, residents and the wider public) at increased risk of physical harm.” — Police Scotland

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

• “Too many public bodies take their lead from an SNP government that’s addicted to secrecy, as a means of avoiding legitimate questions. This is a reasonable request for information and Police Scotland should provide it, rather than hiding behind spurious excuses.” — Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence

• “I would also stress that incidents and indeed crimes at these locations could be linked to protest activity and not to the residents themselves and again, there exists the potential for incorrect inferences to be made.” — Police Scotland

Police Scotland hide true scale of asylum hotel crime over fears of sparking violence