Hagley Charity Bags Warning

Police are warning residents to beware after reports of people claiming to be collecting clothing on behalf of charity.

Officers were contacted by a Hagley resident who became suspicious that a man driving an ordinary car rather than a van was collecting bags bearing the logo of Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Hospice.

The bags all had black and white A5 sized photocopied Mary Stevens Hospice flyers attached, with the logo, details of the charity and collections. However the information was not up to date.

Genuine bags would have glossy colour flyers. Collectors wear uniforms with the hospice logo and drive liveried vehicles.

PC Chris Lord of the Hagley and Rural Local Policing Team said: "The counterfeit bags were to trick people into handing over items, albeit unwanted ones, in the belief they will benefit a charity.

"We have had problems from time to time right across North Worcestershire with several different charities being ripped off in this way, and there is every likelihood other areas have also received the bogus Mary Stevens bags.

"Charities rely on donations of unwanted clothing and goods for their shops, and we do not want to put people off donating. However we are urging them to look carefully at any leaflets which come through their door before donating items, to ensure they are helping a genuine charity."

Anyone with information about bogus collectors can contact West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.

Issued: Tuesday, 31^st January 2012