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Organised crime gangs have turned their attention to Scotland’s chip shops, targeting them for their used cooking oil, which is often left outside for collection and recycling into biodiesel. Police Scotland has reported a significant increase in these thefts, with a total of 178 incidents logged between April and October last year, raising concerns over both economic losses and safety for local businesses.
A Disturbing Trend in Inverness
The brazen nature of these thefts has left many shop owners stunned. Grant Cranston, co-owner of an Inverness chip shop, described an incident where thieves struck in broad daylight, oblivious to the presence of pedestrians nearby. “It was shocking to see how bold they were,” he remarked, underlining the growing audacity of these criminal acts.
The UK government estimates that about 70% of biodiesel is produced from used cooking oil, making it a valuable commodity. Restaurants can expect to receive around 30p per litre for their oil, but the frequency of thefts has raised alarm bells in the catering industry. The annual loss to the UK Treasury from these thefts is estimated at £25 million due to unpaid duty.
The Financial Impact on Local Businesses
The financial implications of these thefts are far-reaching. Police Scotland calculated that the thefts cost catering businesses approximately £20,000 last year alone. Chief Inspector Craig Still, who oversees the Inverness area, highlighted the myriad of problems that arise from these incidents, which include not only revenue loss but also potential damage to property as thieves break in to access the oil.
“This is not just petty theft; we see an organised criminal element at work here,” he stated. The stolen oil is often sold to legitimate recyclers who convert it into biodiesel, a process that has gained traction as the demand for renewable fuels continues to rise.
Struggling Industry Faces Additional Challenges
The chip shop sector is already grappling with rising operational costs, and the thefts present another hurdle. Cranston noted that the fish and chips industry is currently facing significant challenges with increasing prices across the board, including VAT. “We are trying to responsibly dispose of our used oil for recycling, doing our part for the environment, yet these thefts create additional hardships,” he said.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, revealed that some chip shops have been repeatedly targeted. “The value of stolen oil can reach £30 to £40 per drum,” he explained. For businesses that regularly face these thefts, the economic impact can be severe, leading to substantial losses in both revenue and recycling credits.
Enhancing Security Measures
In light of the ongoing crisis, Police Scotland is advising businesses to adopt enhanced security measures. Keeping oil in secure, well-lit locations and installing CCTV systems can be effective deterrents against theft. Chief Inspector Still encouraged businesses to seek advice from the police’s prevention and interventions team to improve safety protocols.
The rising trend of cooking oil thefts not only threatens the financial viability of local chip shops but also raises broader questions about crime in communities.
Why it Matters
The theft of used cooking oil from chip shops underscores a growing trend of organised crime infiltrating local businesses, which is not just an economic issue but a community concern. As these incidents become more frequent, they threaten the livelihood of small business owners and disrupt local economies. Addressing this issue is essential for safeguarding both the interests of the catering industry and the communities it serves.
