Criminal gangs are recruiting children as young as 11 as Scotland's soft-justice system lets them walk free

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

An 11-year-old girl and two 12-year-old girls in East Kilbride were among those caught by stop-and-search officers this year. Threadgold says criminals recruit minors precisely because sentencing guidelines shield under-25s from jail, leaving police powerless to deter them.

Retailers Against Crime chief Stephanie Karte warns gangs use children to cut their own risk, deploying distraction, intimidation and coordinated theft against staff.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr says criminal gangs are openly exploiting the SNP's soft-touch justice system to enlist child shoplifters.

A 14-year-old boy caught with stolen goods in Glasgow was ALSO found carrying a knife, underlining how swiftly retail crime escalates.