Brazen drug dealers are using QR codes stuck on lampposts to sell cannabis near schools, universities and even police stations.
The black and gold stickers advertising 'Get your delivery' have been spotted around Worcester. Each sticker features a QR code and a picture of a cannabis leaf, but the police have warned people not to scan them or click on any links.
Identical stickers have been found in London, but now dealers further afield are adopting the same technique. The digital codes, usually used by retailers to direct customers to online stores, are being exploited by savvy drug dealers to attract new customers. They're placing these stickers on lampposts, bins, phone boxes and other street furniture.
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Labour councillor Robyn Norfolk, who represents St John's in the city, expressed her shock: "It is shocking for them to go up near schools." She added: "I have heard of QR codes being used to link to scams, but not drugs. "
Worcester mum-of-two Faye Roberts, 37, commented on the audacity of the situation: "The audacity of it is frightening really.
"I can't believe how openly they are advertising it, just like it's any regular product and even more concerning is them cropping up near schools and parks. They are targeting our children and that shouldn't be allowed. They need to come down as soon as possible.
"Police need to do something. Surely they can be traced via these websites or they were caught on CCTV putting them up."
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The QR codes in London reportedly take people to a glossy website featuring cannabis products with false claims of its products being legal. It also invites would-be customers to follow them on the encrypted chat app Telegram, which popular with criminals.
West Mercia Police said the force advises people not to scan the QR code, even if someone is curious about what the code is. Worcester Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Tanya Beckett said: "We have been made aware of stickers being placed on street furniture and bins in some parts of Worcester promoting the sale of cannabis.
"West Mercia Police is dedicated to tackling drug supply in the community. I would like to reassure the public that we are now investigating this issue and I advise that people don't attempt to scan the attached QR code. I would urge anyone who has any information about these stickers to contact us."
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: "Members of our street scene team are now out and about removing the stickers."
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