West Yorkshire Police is warning people against accepting parcels for strangers in return for cash, saying the practice is a growing trend in the county.
According to the force, criminals use it to move illegal goods and stolen property without drawing attention, recruiting people to receive packages on their behalf. Students are among those being targeted, along with other vulnerable people who might need extra money.
The packages may contain illegal drugs, offensive weapons or stolen goods, and anyone who accepts them could be committing offences such as possession of controlled drugs, handling stolen goods or even money laundering.
Trust your instincts
Chief Inspector Michelle Swift said recruiters often approach people through Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. “If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it to us,” she said. “We would particularly encourage parents to have this conversation with their university age children to make them understand this type of trend and the dangers that are associated with it.”
Anyone who thinks they have been targeted can report it through the force’s Live Chat at westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or by calling 101. If a crime is in progress or there is a danger to life, call 999. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The force has more on the trend at westyorkshire.police.uk/parcels.
