Warning over fake air ambulance charity collections

A Shropshire resident today described a bogus charity campaign in the county as "disgraceful," as police urged people to contact them if they received fake leaflets and collection bags.

Newly designed fake air ambulance leaflets asking for donations of clothing, toys, mobile phones and other goods have been reported in the county.

Midlands Air Ambulance has already spoken of its concern about bogus campaigns.

The charity, which relies on donations to survive, said it received absolutely no money from the collections.

They have previously said an organisation using the name Air Ambulance Support and its representatives had been handing out leaflets and visiting homes across the county.

And today Clive Bray, 68, of Cantreyn Drive, Bridgnorth, said he found a leaflet from an organisation calling itself Air Ambulance Service on his doorstep last Friday and alerted both Trading Standards and the Midland Air Ambulance to the problem.

He said: "This is disgraceful, absolutely disgusting in fact. I can't believe people would stoop so low and do this.

"People need to know about what's going on, and the police need to do something about it."

Richard Ewels, of West Mercia Police, urged people who had any concerns to contact officers.

He said: "If anyone has concerns about the fake leaflets or collections they should contact the police on 0300 3333000.

"If people think that the bag or leaflet received is fake they should try to contact the organisation directly to find out more information."

Head of marketing and fundraising at Midlands Air Ambulance Jason Levy said: "The sad thing is that these people are duping descent members of the public into handing over clothing and unwanted items that they then sell on for their own profit.

"The simple fact of what they are doing undermines the whole basis of trust that governs our relationship with the public who so generously support and fund us.

"If people receive one of these leaflets they should try and make a note of the caller's details and report their visit to trading standards and the police, as well as the charity itself."

Examples of official identification and fake leaflets can be viewed at www.midlandsairambulance.com

By Peter Finch