Organised crime groups are behind a series of devious scams that are bringing misery to shoppers across Scotland, the Daily Record can reveal. Yesterday a major UK wide billboard campaign was launched in Glasgow by trade body Retailers Against Crime (RAC) to make the public and shop workers more aware of the cons that the criminals are operating and to stop them falling victim.
Common scams and tactics
Many involve gangs who carry out 'distraction thefts' including pickpocketing and purse dipping or people attempting to steal shoppers' PIN numbers at till points called shoulder surfing. Other involve ATM fraud where the criminals steal your data or even the cards themselves.
Shops are also being asked to look out for customers who are buying large numbers of high value gift cards as they may be victims of Romance Frauds run by the gangs. People who are being scammed, both male and female, are often duped into buying the tokens.
RAC chief warns of organised nature
RAC Chief Executive Stephanie Karte said: "Retail crime funds serious and organised crime. Somebody is not going to steal 100 bottles of alcohol and consume it themselves."
"It is going somewhere else. However it is very difficult to find that out. What we are seeing on a daily basis is very organised. We have a very good relationship with Police Scotland and we work together to put cases together to catch the perpetrators."
The RAC have also issued a community awareness guide detailing the various tricks used by the crime gangs which also includes counter-terrorism information and warnings about fake cash and impersonation scams.
Distraction thefts and police backing
One of the most common cons is the coin drop - known as theft by distraction - which usually involves three gang members. One drops cash on the ground and the second taps the victim on the shoulder and points to the cash. Whilst the victim is unwittingly picking up the money they think they have dropped, a third person steals their valuables.
Ms Karte added: "Theft by distraction is the one most used by retail crime offenders. The more people become aware the less likely they are to fall victim. People can be followed to various stores so that the criminals can access their pin numbers."
"There are people who are lookouts on the ground looking for victims, hanging about cash machines. People that you don't even know are there. It is funding offenders lifestyles and they are using vulnerable individuals to do it. At Retailers Against Crime, we are passionate about helping people stay safer. If the guide helps even one person recognise the warning signs of crime or avoid becoming a victim, then it has made a real difference."
Police Scotland have also backed the campaign. Sergeant Ross McBurney said: "The Retail Crime Taskforce works closely with partners such as Retailers Against Crime to tackle shop theft and offences against retail workers."
The latest Police Scotland figure show that between 2024-25 and 2025-26 shoplifting increased by 19 percent from 44,730 to 53,369 crimes. Attacks on shop workers rose by ten per cent from 2,870 to 3,162.
Another trade body the Scottish Retail Consortium say the cost of shop theft last year in Scotland was £50 million. Media company JCDecaux have donated 400 billboards across the UK including Aberdeen, London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham as part of the retail crime awareness campaign. Following yesterday's launch in Glasgow the billboards will be rolled out across the country.
