BOGUS officials have stolen bric-a-brac that householders were donating for charity.

Orange bags for Scope, the cerebral palsy charity, had been pushed through doors in Ightenhill, Burnley, last Friday for residents to fill and leave outside.

But when officials returned to collect the bags for the Scope shop in Broadway, Accrington, they found that all the bags had already gone. They were told that men in a green van had taken them away.

Residents were today being warned to be on the lookout for the false collectors.

Padiham police were informed and are asking people with information to contact them on 01282 772212. Beverley Reynolds, manageress of the Scope shop, said: "We are asking people that if they see any collectors, to always check they have the correct identification.

"It's upsetting that people are trying to help the charity only to find that their goods are being taken by thieves."

Sergeant John Lindsey, of Padiham police, said: "The real van is marked with the Scope sign and the driver has identification which contains a photograph with him.

"If people see anyone collecting other than in these circumstances we ask them to contact us."

Residents in the Brunshaw area of Burnley are being asked to be on the alert as they will be the next to receive the bags.

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