Highest number on record as more people report to anti-extremism Prevent programme

The number of referrals made to anti-extremism programme Prevent is at the highest level ever recorded in Scotland.

There were 162 referrals in 2024/25 which is an increase of 42 per cent compared to the previous year.

Police made the highest number of referrals, followed by the education sector.

Most referrals continue to be for males (89 per cent) and those aged 15 to 20 accounted for the largest proportion, while those aged under 15 are the second largest.

Prevent is a strand of the UK Government’s counter terrorism strategy. It’s delivered in Scotland through a multi-agency approach designed to put in place safeguarding and supporting measures.

Police Scotland takes initial receipt of the referrals before coordinating a multi-agency response to help the individual.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Strong partnerships with communities, the education sector, local authorities and others must continue to address the underlying causes that can fuel radicalisation.

“The success of the Prevent Strategy rests on organisations and communities being able to make referrals about people they are concerned may be drawn into terrorism.

“Everyone has a role to play. Family and guardians can be the first to notice changes. You can visit the ACT early website for information on spotting the signs and how to report any concerns.”

More information can be found here: ACT Early | Prevent radicalisation

The Home Office release annual data for England and Wales. Annual data for Scotland can be found here: Prevent Referral Data - Police Scotland