Hospice issues advice after thefts

A HOSPICE in Rotherham is urging donors to ensure charity bag collections reach the right people after heartless thieves stole nearly £10,000 worth of donations.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Oct 2011, 07:00 BST

Bluebell Wood, at North Anston, has seen as many as 500 bags go missing in the last two months, with collection van drivers picking up just three bags in areas where they would usually expect 80.

It is believed that thieves in unmarked vans are driving round ahead of the official collection drivers and picking up bags left out by residents.

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The contents of each bag make on average between £15 and £19 for the Children’s Hospice and there are over 500 known cases of bags being stolen.

The hospice has asked donors to group together and arrange a suitable collection time for ten or more bags, or to bring their unwanted children’s clothes, toys and books to one of their seven charity shops across South Yorkshire.

They have also asked people to be vigilant against unmarked vans picking up charity bags in their area and report their registration numbers to the police straight away.

Official vans are marked with the Bluebell Wood logo and colours.

Related topics:RotherhamBluebell WoodSouth Yorkshire