Police have warned about taking cash in return for accepting parcels following a new crime trend in West Yorkshire.

Criminals looking to move illegal goods are now targeting students and other ‘vulnerable people’ by offering them as much as £500 a week to take packages on their behalf.

Social media is being used to recruit people, with offers of ‘quick cash’ - but detectives have warned people in West Yorkshire to be wary of these adverts and seemingly simple money-making opportunities.

The packages people are asked to accept often contain illegal drugs, offensive weapons or stolen goods - meaning anyone who accepts cash to take them, even without knowing the contents, could end up with a criminal record.

Police have also warned that criminals will tell potential recruits ‘It’s just a delivery’ and that they’re ‘not doing anything wrong’, before passing on illegal goods.

Adverts will also claim people can ‘work from home’, that there is ‘no experience necessary’, and that they can earn ‘between £150-£500 a week’.

Chief Inspector Michelle Swift from West Yorkshire Police said: “The is worryingly becoming a growing trend, we’re seeing here in West Yorkshire.

“What may seem like an easy favour or a way to get quick cash, it could leave you facing a police investigation and a criminal record.

“Criminals will often use social media like SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to recruit people to help them.

“If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it to us.

“We hope by raising awareness of this type of crime, people will be alert to the risks and tactics used by organised criminals. We would particularly encourage parents to have this conversation with their university age children to make them understand this type of trend and the dangers that are associated with it.”