CONCERNS have been raised over a bogus recycling collector stealing sacks of textiles from outside homes in Pendle.

Town hall bosses say the thief is posing as an employee of the contractor which collects the textiles on behalf of Pendle Council.

Coun James Starkie, executive member for waste, said: "We have had reports of a ‘bogus’ collection vehicle going around Pendle collecting the red sacks of textiles.

"Having checked with Cohen’s, the contractor which collects the textiles for us, we know that it’s definitely not one of their vehicles.

"All Cohen’s vans are white with a green logo.

"We’ve reported the situation to police, who are now making investigations."

Coun Starkie is urging residents to look out for any unusual vehicles taking away their red sacks of textiles.

He said: "Taking these textiles is theft. Anyone we find stealing them will be reported to the police and will have to face the consequences.

"Local people are putting their unwanted clothes out for collec-tion in good faith, thinking they will be recycled or that they are helping charity.

“I want to reassure them that we are doing what we can to stop these bogus collections happening.”

Anyone who sees an unauthorised car or van taking sacks away should make a note of its registration plate if possible, plus the make and model, and telephone the council on 01282 661743.