BOGUS charity collectors have been stealing bags of charity-shop donations from outside homes.
The British Heart Foundation is urging householders to be aware of the thieves and has called on them to report anything suspicious to police.
Managers said they had received several reports of bogus collectors operating in the Cowley area of Oxford, either asking for donations or taking bags of donations left to be picked up by genuine collectors.
Charity spokesman Margaret Richardson said: “These collectors are working for commercial gain, with none of the proceeds going to charity.
“All profits raised from goods donated to the British Heart Foundation Shops go directly to fighting heart disease, which remains the UK’s biggest killer.
“Household appeals are a vital source of income for our BHF Shops.
“Stealing bags that have been left out for our charity is akin to robbing people with heart conditions of a better quality of life.”
Genuine collectors display the charity’s logo and carry identification cards.
Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel