Man charged with human trafficking amid Scottish retail crime crackdown

A man has been charged with human trafficking offences amid a crackdown on retail crime in the west of Scotland.

Officers have been gathering information over the last few months as part of Operation Dynos, which focuses on gangs that recruit and coerce youths to become involved with large-scale retail theft.

Following enquiries, detectives believe that vulnerable young people are being targeted to steal alcohol from stores across the region.

On Friday, officers arrested and charged a 42-year-old man in connection with human trafficking and exploitation offences.

He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday.

Constable Sharon McDermott said: “We remain committed to tackling retail crime, while at the same time safeguarding young people from harm and coercion into criminal behaviour.

“We continue to gather evidence and utilise all resources at our disposal to tackle this type of crime.”