Scottish police have warned that there is the “potential” for Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to be open to fraud.
The warning came from Detective Constable Jamie Sinclair, of Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division.
In a statement, Sinclair said: “Our analysis so far suggests that there is a potential for the Deposit Return Scheme to be targeted by organised crime gangs intent on committing fraud.”
Sinclair went on to emphasise that the police are working with partners to be ready for when the Deposit Return Scheme is introduced in Scotland in August 2023.
Our analysis so far suggests that there is a potential for the Deposit Return Scheme to be targeted by organised crime gangs.
“Our focus is primarily on preventative measures to harden the scheme against those who would seek to use it for financial gain through large-scale fraud.”
Sinclair said that as part of this process, the industry is looking at the introduction of new Stock Keeping Units in Scotland. These are barcodes that Sinclair says can provide a further level of security.
“This may help prevent organised criminals, retailers and the public from exploiting the system when the scheme is being introduced at different rates in different parts of the UK,” Sinclair added.
