Black Friday 2015 UK: Police in Scotland and Manchester warn over deal scams and bargain hunter violence
Police have warned bargain hunters to be vigilant on Black Friday, claiming they could become victims of online scams – or in-store violence – on what is set to be the biggest shopping day of the year.
Police in Greater Manchester have told shoppers that they must check they are not being ripped off before parting with cash online, following a million-pound scam last year.
"If people think they are getting a bargain that’s too good to be true it’s because it is too good to be true," chief constable Ian Hopkins told the Manchester Evening News.
He also warned consumers to keep calm when venturing into stores.
“Clearly, if you are going to go to a supermarket and fight over a flat-screen television then that’s completely unacceptable," he said, noting retailers including Tesco had "learned a lot of lessons" and that others such as Asda were not participating.
"We know the British public likes a bargain but please don’t fight over it.”
It echoes warnings made by police chiefs in Scotland and England.
In Scotland, Supt Graeme Murdoch said: "We would like to remind shoppers to take stock of their own behaviour whilst inside and outside of stores during the sales this year.
"We have being working closely with retail stores to support them in preparing for any antisocial and criminal behaviour and we will also have additional resources in place to deal with any outbreaks of disorder."
He added: "Anyone caught committing an offence will be charged and reported to the Procurator Fiscal."
And earlier this month, the National Police Chiefs' Council called on retailers to provide extra security, after bouts of violence broke out last year.
Looking for the best bargains on Black Friday? Here's a round-up of what's on offer from retailers including Amazon, John Lewis, Tesco, Sainsbury and Currys PC World today.