Vulnerable young people being recruited for shoplifting by organised crime gangs

A man has been charged with organised crime offences linked to the exploitation of young people for shoplifting in Glasgow.

An intelligence-led operation was launched into thefts from stores within Glasgow carried out by youths on behalf of crime groups.

A 52-year-old man was arrested following a search of a property in the Pollok area on September 19.

The raid was carried out as part of Operation Dynos an initiative, that targets organised criminal activity linked to crime within the West of Scotland and funded by the Retail Crime Taskforce.

Detective inspector Paul McDougall, who leads Operation Dynos, said: “Retail crime is not victimless and in fact, what we’ve seen are some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities being actively recruited into the theft and resale of goods such as alcohol from stores in the region by organised criminals for their financial gain.

“We are committed to tackling retail crime, while at the same time safeguarding young people from harm and coercion into criminal behaviour.

“Operation Dynos will continue to gather evidence and utilise all resources at our disposal to bring these individuals to justice.”

He added: “The Taskforce are also working alongside retailers to collectively strengthen the protection against retail crime across stores and key stakeholders to develop education and diversion options to help vulnerable young people make different choices.”