Man due in Glasgow court in connection with organised crime offences

On Friday September 19, police raided a property in Pollock as part of an intelligence-led operation into thefts from stores in Glasgow being carried out by youths on behalf of crime groups.

A 52-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with offences linked to the exploitation of young people and shoplifting in the city.

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The activity was carried out as part of Operation Dynos, an initiative which 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, says vulnerable young people are being "actively recruited" by criminal gangs for the theft and resale of items such as alcohol.

He 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.

"This will include working closely with our colleagues across the Retail Crime Taskforce who are co-ordinating activity to target those committing organised retail crime across Scotland.

"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."