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Desperate families are resorting to shoplifting and poaching as spiralling prices mean many are finding it hard to put food on the table.

Police Scotland’s Fife Division has reported a 37% rise in theft by shoplifting from shops across the region compared to last year. Officers believe many people are stealing just to survive.

Tayside Division also reported an increase in shoplifting cases.

It comes as Citizens Advice Scotland warned that poverty-stricken people are hunting illegally in Highland Perthshire to make ends meet.

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association confirmed that poaching in Highland Perthshire is a “growing problem” and has warned that poachers will feel the full weight of the law if caught.

Meanwhile, the use of foodbanks in Dundee is up 120%.

Figures from the Trussell Trust revealed that, across Scotland, the rise in foodbank use is up 400%.

There were 8,000 more people turning to foodbanks compared to the same period last year.

For more on this story, see Saturday’s Courier or try our digital edition.