COPS are winning the war against vile hate crime, an Evening Times investigation has revealed.

More racists, bigots, and homophobic attackers are being locked up in Glasgow than ever before - and stand little chance of getting away with their crimes.

Terrified victims reported more than 650 hate crime incidents in the city centre in the last two years.

But tough action from frontline officers has seen the culprits behind almost three-quarters, in one of Glasgow's busiest police beats, caught.

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, area commander for the city centre, said: "I want to make it clear, I will not tolerate any form of hate crime in the city centre.

"We are committed to doing everything in our power to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

"We are now detecting three out of every four hate crimes in the city - but we will not be resting on our laurels.

"Those who fail to respect those around them can expect a swift and robust response."

Police have dealt with scores of racially and religiously-motivated assaults, breach of the peace, disorder, and antisocial behaviour.

Cops are also bombarded complaints about vile hate crimes on social networking websites, including Twitter and Facebook.

Figures released to the Evening Times show there were more than 300 city centre hate crimes reported in the past year.

There were 326 incidents between April 2014 and this month, against the five-year average of 347.

Several of the incidents have taken place in police stations, aimed at officers who are already dealing with a suspect.

Mr Sutherland, who is in charge of policing the centre of Glasgow, said: "Tackling hate crimes, such as racist and homophobic offences, is a high priority for Police Scotland.

"There is no place in Scotland for any behaviour motivated by prejudice and it will not be tolerated.

"The city centre is a truly multi-cultural environment and we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment.

"As well as cracking down on offenders, we are committed to supporting victims of hate crime and I would encourage people to have the courage to report these types of incidents to us.

"There are now lots of ways to report hate crime, either to the police direct, through our own website, or with a third party reporting centre.

"No matter who you talk to, whatever you tells us about what happened to you, you will be treated with integrity, fairness and respect."

The figures come after police continue to hunt a racist yob who hurled abuse at a hero soldier in the city street.

As revealed by the Evening Times, the racist targeted the private - who was in full army uniform - when he was working at an armed forces recruitment event.

It happened at around 2.30pm on Thursday, January 29, in Argyle Street.

The soldier had been handing out information and chatting to people, as part of his work at the recruitment stall.

Witnesses were urged to come forward and contact police with any information.

Mr Sutherland said partnership working was key to tackling hate crime, and officers regularly work with leading national campaign group, Stonewall.

He added: "Effective local policing is crucial to tackling hate crime.

"Local officers are engaging with the local communities and groups within the city.

"Knowing them, and understanding their needs and concerns, is absolutely crucial to understand the extent of the problem and to encourage reporting."