Stickers showing a “shiny marijuana leaf” with a scannable QR code have been spotted on Bebington Road in Rock Ferry.
Rock Ferry Labour Councillor, Tony Murphy, who was sent pictures of the flyers by a resident on the street, said the advertising of illegal substances was a “major concern”.
Stickers showing a “shiny marijuana leaf” with a scannable QR code have been spotted on Bebington Road (Image: Tony Murphy)
He told the Globe: “A constituent who lives on Bebington Road contacted me and sent me photographs of them because he thought I would be interested.
“I went to his house and he had a collection of them that he had removed. Several of them were the same QR code and colour but others were different showing different codes.
“I was almost not surprised that nowadays people are using social media and QR codes to access online drugs. It’s a major concern.
“Anyone can take a picture of them on their phone and have a copy.
A collection of stickers have been removed from lamp posts in (Image: Tony Murphy)
“I didn’t try to scan it myself in case I was somehow compromised or added to a criminal database, but I’m on the lookout for them now. I reported it to Bebington Police Station and officers confirmed that they have the tools to shut down such websites.”
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “Following enquiries, it was established that this QR code did not link to any website or page and as such no crime was recorded.
“The stickers have been removed.
“We’re grateful for all information on the suspected supply of drugs in our communities, and there are various ways in which you can provide information, which will be assessed.”
Contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via the website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.