Police Warn Locals Not to Join Anti-Asylum Seeker Patrols

(ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND) Police in Aberdeen are urging residents to stay away from citizen “patrols” organized by an anti-asylum seeker group, warning that such activity risks public disorder and could break the law. The group, known as Aberdeen Against Illegal Migration (AAIM), has staged patrols near accommodation believed to house people seeking asylum. Officers said they “strongly advise locals not to get involved,” stressing that anyone with concerns should report them to police rather than join informal actions.

The warning follows reports of increased organizing by anti-migrant vigilantes in parts of Europe, though police emphasized this alert is specific to Aberdeen and the activities promoted by the local group. No arrests or specific incidents connected to the patrols had been reported as of September 26, 2025. Authorities said their focus is to prevent escalation, keep people safe, and reduce tension around sites linked to asylum accommodation.

Police said they understand anxiety in communities where new arrivals have been placed, but they rejected any suggestion that community-led patrols are a solution. Officers are asking residents to avoid confrontation and to use official channels to flag issues. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, similar campaigns in other cities often begin with online organizing, then move to real-world watch groups that can quickly draw counter-protests and strain local services.

Police warning and community safety

Senior officers described three main concerns:

• Public safety: Unplanned patrols can create heated encounters, especially if people film others or challenge them in public spaces.
• Legality: Actions that threaten, harass, or intimidate can cross legal lines. Police said they will enforce the law if behavior becomes abusive or violent.
• Community tension: Patrols near asylum accommodation can make families feel targeted, raise stress for neighbors, and pull officers from other duties.

Police encouraged anyone who sees potential criminal behavior to call them and allow trained officers to handle it. They also urged residents to avoid sharing unverified claims online that could inflame fear.

“Report, don’t engage,” one officer said, summing up the approach.

The force added that routine patrols continue across the city, and that officers are in contact with accommodation providers and local leaders to address concerns before they grow.

Officials highlighted that many asylum seekers placed in temporary accommodation are individuals and families who fled war, persecution, or trafficking. Some may be recovering from trauma. Officers said heightened public pressure can make it harder for people to access essential services or attend required appointments, and can create a climate of fear that harms both newcomers and long-time residents.

Context: asylum policy and local impact

The arrival of people seeking asylum in Aberdeen sits within a wider United Kingdom system run by the Home Office. Claimants are housed while their cases are reviewed. They are often not allowed to work and frequently rely on modest support during the process.

For official information on the UK asylum process, see the UK government guidance on how to claim asylum at the start of a case: Claim asylum in the UK (GOV.UK).

Local leaders say the city has managed waves of change before and can do so again when residents focus on practical steps. Community groups note that clear communication about who is moving in, what support is in place, and which services to call for help tends to reduce tension. Police echoed this, saying early contact with property managers, councils, and support charities can prevent rumor and confusion.

About AAIM and local reports

AAIM promotes itself as a watchdog. But police and community advocates say describing the group as an “anti-asylum seeker group” accurately reflects its activities and messaging. Residents reported:

• Small groups standing near hotels and short-stay blocks, sometimes filming entrants and exits.
• Leaflets warning about crime, despite police saying crime levels linked to asylum accommodation are not higher than similar areas citywide.

Authorities emphasized that two things can be true at once: people may worry about change on their street and they have a right to raise issues; but challenges must be handled by lawful means. Officers repeated that locals should not join or support the patrols and should avoid direct confrontation with AAIM participants.

They also encouraged residents to use trusted sources for information, as false claims can spread quickly and lead to poor decisions in tense moments.

School safety and business concerns

Residents asked about the safety of children walking to school near temporary accommodation. Police said:

• Officers continue school safety patrols across Aberdeen and will adjust routes if needed.
• Parents should share any concerns with school leaders and community officers rather than taking matters into their own hands.

From a business perspective, police advised shopkeepers and staff near accommodation to contact them if patrols disrupt trade or frighten customers. They warned that filming people to identify them online can cross legal lines, particularly if it leads to doxxing or targeted abuse.

Legal perspective and how to report incidents

Lawyers note that while peaceful protest is protected, harassment, intimidation, and threats are not. Police asked witnesses to:

1. Collect details: time, location, and descriptions.
2. Report crimes promptly to the police.
3. Avoid trying to block or restrain people, which can cause harm and complicate investigations.

Officers said they will seek evidence from CCTV, body-worn cameras, and independent witnesses, and can pursue charges even if initial reporting happens after an event. Anyone who feels unsafe should call emergency services and keep a safe distance.

Community responses and mitigation steps

Local councils and charities are exploring more drop-in sessions where neighbors can ask questions about asylum support, housing, and security. Organizers say open forums can lower tension by giving people a place to speak and learn.

Some practical steps already being taken:

• Landlords near known patrol sites have improved lighting and added contact numbers for faster responses to minor disturbances.
• Community organizations urge calm and remind neighbors that many asylum seekers hope to reunite with relatives or resume studies once their cases are resolved.
• Supporters ask residents to judge individuals by their behavior, not their immigration status.

One coordinator said families now plan shopping trips at quieter times to avoid being filmed or shouted at, illustrating how public mood has become more brittle since patrols began.

Final message from police

Police closed their statement by reminding residents that public safety is the priority. They warned that patrols by groups like Aberdeen Against Illegal Migration can heighten risk, not reduce it, and asked residents to let officers do the job they are trained to do.

“We want calm streets and fair rules. That means calling the police, not becoming the police,” a longtime resident said.

Authorities said they will keep monitoring the situation and will act if any patrols lead to threats or violence. For now, the message is simple: stay away from the patrols, report problems through official channels, and give space for lawful processes to work.