Latest news with #WestScotland
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New laws could help prevent repeat of McClure's 'scandal', says MSP
AN MSP has welcomed reform to legislation which he believes will help avoid a repeat of the 'scandalous' circumstances surrounding the closure of Greenock law firm McClure's. It is hoped new laws passed at the Scottish Government this week will help to 'modernise and improve' the way legal services are regulated in Scotland. The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill will introduce a more flexible, consumer-focused system which provides clearer and swifter redress for complaints. Paul O'Kane, MSP for the West Scotland region, secured multiple amendments during the stage three debate on the legislation. These include powers for regulators to compel solicitors to provide information which allows for more pro-active investigation, and additional measures to ensure effective and efficient operation of regulatory systems. OTHER NEWS: Mr O'Kane said: 'The legislation is about increasing transparency and accountability in what up until now has often been a complicated system for people to navigate. 'The high-profile case of McClure's where clients were left with no answers, little information on complaints being investigated, and very few ways to vent their anger. "This legislation could help prevent that scandalous situation from happening again by allowing regulators to be much more pro-active in investigating concerns raised. 'It was of course very satisfying to secure some important amendments to the legislation to enhance transparency and accountability. "I fought for those amendments because they made some vital adjustments that increased the scope of how the law will help clients and consumers.'
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Vulnerable youngsters made to steal booze for black market as police probe gang who forced Scots teens to carry out 1,500 shop raids
Teenagers in Scotland are being groomed by an organised criminal gang and forced to carry out a massive spate of robberies. Police have now launched a major operation to hunt down the gang which is believed to be behind an astonishing number of raids – more than 1,500 in the past year. In a shocking example of exploitation, the ruthless gang leaders are recruiting vulnerable youngsters and ordering them to rob supermarkets and convenience stores. Typically, the young thieves are told to steal beer, wine and spirits for resale on the lucrative black market. The Mail can reveal Police Scotland is targeting the industrial- scale criminal enterprise in a crackdown called Operation Dynos. Scotland's retailers are facing an unprecedented crimewave, with record numbers of thefts and attacks on shopkeepers and staff. Meanwhile a child protection charity said growing numbers of young people are being exploited by criminals – and warned families to watch out for tell-tale signs. Police Scotland said it is working with shops to track down the gang and bring them to justice. Detective Superintendent Neil McDonald, the force's lead for acquisitive crime, said: 'Operation Dynos is addressing concerns of youths being exploited and encouraged to become involved in criminal activities. 'The current focus is on the organised theft by shoplifting of alcohol for resale and associated offences of disorder and violence, predominantly committed across the west of Scotland. 'In the last year, those linked to these offences have been responsible for 1,533 crimes, mostly the theft of alcohol, equating to around £166,560. 'Work is ongoing to gather intelligence, carry out enforcement activity and bring offenders to justice, while also supporting stores to enhance security.' The gang is thought to be cynically recruiting under-18s in the belief that young people are less likely to be suspected of crime –and, even if they are caught, will probably be treated more leniently by the criminal justice system. Earlier this year annual crime statistics showed an 18 per cent rise in shoplifting cases, with over 43,000 reported incidents. In a recent survey by the Scottish Grocers' Federation (SGF), 83.5 per cent of shopkeepers reported experiencing an increase in violence towards shop staff. Stores also revealed that they lost an average of nearly £20,000 a year to theft and vandalism. SGF chief executive Dr Pete Cheema said: 'Retail crime is now endemic, and it's appalling that young people and children are being exploited by an organised group to carry out these crimes. 'What makes matters worse is that in many cases there is very little consequence for the perpetrators.' David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, added: 'Soaring rates of shop theft are a scourge on communities across Scotland and a key factor behind rising levels of abuse and threats towards store workers. 'The financial cost pushes up prices for shoppers and undermines the health of our high streets. 'We wholeheartedly back the police's efforts to bear down strongly on the proliferation of thefts by organised criminal gangs who target retailers.' Barnardo's Scotland said criminal exploitation of young people is a growing problem. The charity's director, Martin Crewe, said: 'Children who are forced to commit crimes are often coerced, threatened and made to feel like there's no way out. 'We know that children who are not in school or living in poverty are at greater risk. 'Parents and carers should be alert to signs such as unexplained money or items, changes in behaviour, going missing, or being found in unfamiliar places. 'If you're worried, speak to your child without judgment and seek support from professionals.' Police Scotland received £3m from the Scottish Government for 2025-26 specifically to tackle the ongoing rise in retail crime.
Times
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Times
Can Scots be convinced to turn off the taps?
The warnings, each more serious than the last, have been sounding all spring. Scotland is facing its driest start to the year in six decades. Water levels are under threat across the whole country, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa). Even the Hebrides, often ranked among the the rainiest places in Europe, are on an early warning for drought. The entire west of the country is on 'alert'. It's no revelation that Scotland's climate is changing. Now experts say that Scots' liberal attitude to water consumption has to as well. Scots consume far too much — data suggests far more than other countries — and as dry seasons become more frequent, there is a risk of further shortages. Can the public be convinced
