CALLOUS thieves have stolen charity bags from doorsteps in Chester.
Shocked British Heart Foundation (BHF) workers say stealing collection bags left out for the charity robs people with heart conditions of the chance of a better quality of life.
Caroline Usher, BHF regional manager for Chester shop, said: “There have been a number of reports of bogus collectors operating in this area last month taking stock bags which have been left out for collection. 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.”
The charity has issued a warning to people in Chester to be vigilant and to look out for official collectors in vans displaying BHF logos and to ask for bag collectors to show their identification cards which they are instructed to produce if asked.
Caroline added: "To check if a legitimate collection is taking place in your neighbourhood, please contact your local shop.
"Alternatively, the best way to ensure we receive your collections is to drop them off at your convenience.
"We would urge all householders to be aware of suspicious activity to ensure their donations reach their intended recipient."
Householders are being urged to report any kind of suspicious activity immediately to the police, on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
* BHF Shops are urgently seeking donations of good quality clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, DVDs, CDs, books, toys and bric-a-brac.
To find the location of your nearest BHF shop call 0844 412 5000 or visit bhf.org.uk/shops.