The actions of kindhearted residents are being thwarted by thieves.

Police are urging people leaving bags of donations for charity shops outside their homes to double-check the day of collection.

The warning comes following thefts in mid Essex.

PC Matt Harkness said charities have been posting leaflets and large plastic sacks through homes in the area.

They were asking residents if they could fill the bags with donations and leave them outside their front doors for collection.

But residents are then receiving a second leaflet which is not from the charity telling them the collection date is a day earlier than planned.

PC Harkness said the bags were being stolen.

He added: "People are coming and taking all the bags. We are warning people to contact the charity and check the date of the collection."

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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