TIME is being called on bogus charity collectors who are targeting South Ribble villages, conning cash out on unsuspecting drinkers.

Villages, including Higher Walton, Bamber Bridge, and Hoghton, have been plagued in recent months by con artists posing as charity collectors for various organisations. They have persuade drinkers to part with hundreds of pounds.

But following a campaign by councillor Tom Sharratt, police are placing posters in pubs throughout the area, warning customers not to be fooled in to parting with their cash.

Coun Sharratt says the main A675 road, which runs from Preston to Blackburn through the Hoghton area, is a popular haunt for the collectors, who have pretended to be from a variety of charities, including Children in Need and cancer research bodies.

Some crooks have even stooped so low as to offer flowers and trinkets to make their act more authentic.

Bamber Bridge CID officer Det Sgt Dave McKenna, said: "Inquires suggest that the vast majority of these collectors are part of a large scam aimed at obtaining money for themselves by the unauthorised used of charities' names.

"We would urge people not to be fooled into parting with their money.

"The charities named by these collectors rarely receive any significant donations from the collectors.

"Don't waste money on these fraudsters."

Coun Sharratt said: "I am delighted that action has been taken on this matter.

"It seems to be a problem which is unique to this area, and it is a big problem. Collectors have been in the area this month posing as real charity workers.

"Their actions are not only immoral but also make the jobs of the real collectors that much harder.

"Hopefully this action will alert people to the problem and make sure they know not to come back again."

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