Retailers Targeted in High Value Frauds

Officers are asking retailers to be vigilant following a fraud at a garden centre in Stonehaven. Three men entered the premises on Wednesday, 23 March, 2022, and acquired furniture and clothing worth over £4,500.

The suspects paid for the items with a cheque which later bounced. The items were later found for sale on a well-known online site.

These suspects are believed to responsible for a series of similar crimes now totalling approximately £45,000 in the Grampian and Tayside areas

Sergeant Katy Townhill, from the Stonehaven Community Policing Team, said:

"I would ask retailers to ensure their staff are aware of this type of fraud happening in the area. In particular, to be wary of anyone asking to make high value purchases by cheque and carry out due diligence before accepting payment this way.

"Anyone with information can contact the Police on 101, quoting incident number 0834 of Monday, 4 April, 2022, or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Original message sent by: Michael Urquhart (Police Scotland, PC, Crime Reduction Team)