Why are criminals stealing used cooking oil from Scotland's chip shops?
Summary
Criminals are stealing used cooking oil from chip shops and restaurants in Scotland. This oil can be recycled into biodiesel, which is a renewable fuel. Police report that organized crime groups are behind these thefts.Key Facts
- Police Scotland reported 178 incidents of cooking oil theft between April and October last year.
- Used cooking oil is often stored outside restaurants to be collected for recycling into biodiesel.
- Approximately 70% of the biodiesel produced in the UK comes from used cooking oil.
- These thefts are estimated to cost the UK Treasury £25 million a year due to lost duty.
- An organized criminal network is suspected to be involved, selling the stolen oil to recyclers.
- Businesses are encouraged to keep oil storage secure and use CCTV to prevent thefts.
- The thefts result in financial losses and other problems for chip shops and restaurants.
- The rising costs in the industry and thefts are added challenges for businesses like chip shops.
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