Police called in over charity bags

Suspected fraudsters have been delivering and collecting clothes bags in Shrewsbury, pretending to be operating for charity.

The bags are emblazoned with the West Midlands Air Ambulance logo, affected residents have said, but were not collected by the charity. One woman, from Radbrook Green, was so concerned, she called the Air Ambulance, who confirmed they had not carried out a collection there.

The woman has now now reported the matter to police.

She said: "Last week, we had a bag through the door from the county Air Ambulance, asking for us to put some clothes in so they could be sold with the money going to the charity.

"So my husband and I had a good rummage around and filled a bag and left it out on the correct day. Later that day, an unbranded white van came along, parked outside and drove off with the bag and some from nearby neighbours. I thought this looked highly suspicious so I called the Air Ambulance and they confirmed they had not been carrying out a collection so I have reported the matter to the police."

Investigation

Jason Levy, from the Midlands Air Ambulance, said: "We can confirm that there is an on-going investigation into a clothing collection organisation collecting on behalf of the air ambulance service. This company has no association with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

"Members of the public are advised to only donate to fundraisers who can give evidence of Midlands Air Ambulance logo and charity number (1001064).

"Anyone wishing to donate to the charity can do so by contacting us on 0800 840 2040 or by visiting our website www.midlandsairambulance.com"

Richard Ewels, spokesman for West Mercia Police, confirmed they had received a complaint from the Radbrook Green area last Tuesday.

"They said they believed it was two men in a white transit van and they were seen to collect several bags from the person who rang us and their neighbours.

"The matter has been reported to us and we are looking into it. We would urge people who put out charity bags and believe they are being collected by someone other than the charity to contact police immediately on 0300 333 3000, with a description of the vehicle and the registration number."

By Russell Roberts