Thieves help themselves to charity donations from Sutton streets (From Sutton Guardian)

Thieves help themselves to charity donations from Sutton streets

6:50am Monday 6th July 2009

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Hard-hit charity shops are losing hundreds of pounds in income because collection bags are being stolen from doorsteps around Sutton.

Thieves have increasingly been targeting old garments and clothes over recent weeks as the price of textiles soars during the recession.

The donations, sold in shops to raise funds for charities such as Help the Aged, are intended for collectors carrying identification.

But Sue Eve, a well-meaning resident, said: “For the third time recently, I have put charity bags out for collection, and just happened to be chatting to a neighbour, when I saw the driver of an unmarked van pull up, grab my bags and drive off quickly as I shouted at him.

“I had heard of this happening. It is so unfair – we collect for charity, not so our items are just hijacked to sell on.”

A spokesman for Help the Aged said the street collection thefts were tantamount to robbing older people of their quality of life.

He said: “It is very disappointing that charity bags are being taken without authorisation. One has to ask what sort of person would think it acceptable to steal from people who really need it.

“Age Concern and Help the Aged are working very hard to provide services for elderly people but when donations are stolen our efforts are diminished.”

Charities have urged the public to contact them directly if they want to make donations securely or to take clothes directly to their shops. Residents can also ask collectors for identification.

For more security advice from Help the Aged call 020 7278 1114.

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