CHARITY bags filled with donated goods are being stolen from outside homes across Bromley, News Shopper can reveal.

Beverley Fergar, of Birkbeck Road, Beckenham, who has suffered at the hands of the crooks a number of times, says the problem is getting worse.

She claims thieves approach houses in a white van, before snatching the bags and running off.

The 55-year-old said: "It happened again this morning (November 26).

"I have got these six charity bags in my boot, and I got one bag out for a leukaemia charity.

"I put the bag out at 7.35am and went upstairs to brush my teeth and finish getting ready for work.

"But when I came back down at 7.45am the bag was gone.

"The charity says it will come between 8am and 6pm, so it can't have been them, and I have noticed it going before 8am before.

"Around three months ago a white van drove up, a woman got out, took the bag and ran off.

"I've spoken to a few people and it seems to be common around Beckenham.

"It has been happening more often over the last year or 18 months."

Mrs Fergar regularly leaves bags outside her house for a number of charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Red Cross and Breast Cancer UK.

She added: "It is immoral. It is wrong. It is charity isn't it? These people don't have any principles at all."

News Shopper:

A police spokesman said: "We are aware of this issue as we receive we do the occasional report from across the borough regarding it.

"Police in Bromley would like to urge residents to be wary of bogus charity collectors, after a number reported thefts of donated clothing from doorsteps before it can be collected by the charity's own street collectors.

"We want people to be confident that they can give to charities, but they should be careful to avoid unscrupulous individuals and companies looking to exploit their generosity and goodwill."

Call the Charity Commission helpline on 0870 333 0123.