Criminal gangs ‘are recruiting foot soldiers as young as 11 to go shoplifting’
Police in Scotland are finding more children carrying stolen goods, prompting concerns that criminal gangs are using them to steal from shops. Retail and police representatives say children may be exploited to shield those directing the thefts, while shop staff face abuse and intimidation.
The number of children caught rose from 104 in 2023-24 to 172 in 2025-26; 48 were recorded between April and June this year, potentially putting the 2026-27 total at about 200. The youngest identified were an 11-year-old and two 12-year-olds in East Kilbride. The Scottish Government called child exploitation abhorrent and said it is funding an additional £3 million a year for Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce until 2028-29.
- More children in Scotland are being caught with stolen goods.
- Retail and police figures raise concerns about gang exploitation.
- Government says £3 million annually will support retail crime enforcement.
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Police in Scotland have identified that criminal gangs are using children as young as 11 to steal from shops. These children are sent into stores to take goods, whilst those directing the thefts remain at a distance. Retail workers have reported being abused and intimidated during these incidents.
The practice exploits children's age, since they face less severe legal consequences than adults for theft. Gang members may use threats or coercion to control the children involved. This arrangement means those truly responsible avoid arrest.
The number of children caught stealing in Scotland has increased, from 104 in 2023-24 to 172 in 2025-26. Police, retailers and government officials regard this as child exploitation. The Scottish Government has committed funding to tackle retail crime, viewing this as a matter of both child protection and public safety.
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The case for
Criminal gangs are systematically exploiting vulnerable children as foot soldiers to commit thefts whilst insulating adult organisers from accountability. The rising statistics from 104 to 172 cases demonstrate a serious and accelerating threat to child welfare and retail worker safety. Additional police resources to disrupt these criminal networks and protect young people from predatory exploitation represents necessary government action.
The case against
The rising statistics may reflect complex problems beyond organised gang recruitment, including poverty, family breakdown, and limited educational opportunity. These young people are better understood as vulnerable individuals requiring social and therapeutic support rather than criminal enforcement. Resources would be more effectively directed toward preventive youth and family services than police retail crime operations, which risk criminalising already-disadvantaged young people.