Police and retail crime experts have warned that travelling shoplifting gangs are increasingly raiding shops in Aberdeen amid a rise in offenses.
The warning came during a Retailers Against Crime event where businesses were told that travelling groups from Romania, Ireland and England have been linked to thefts across the city.
The retail pressure group said organised gangs often carefully plan raids in advance, scouting stores before striking as part of coordinated operations involving multiple people .
The experts also revealed some of the tactics being used, including foil-lined prams fitted with fake babies designed to bypass security.
The latest local figures show shoplifting offences in Aberdeen have risen by almost 30% - almost double the national increase.
Police are now stepping up efforts to tackle the problem with new facial recognition technology, giving stores the ability to identify notorious offenders’ whereabouts nationwide.
Read the full story in the P&J.