Burnham-On-Sea police have this week advised residents to be cautious when donating clothes to door-to-door charity collectors after a bogus service targeted the town.
Hundreds of collecting bags have been posted through doors across the town during recent days, encouraging residents to donate unwanted clothes.
However, the bags feature a misspelling of the childrens charity Barnardos – instead stating the beneficiary is “Bernhardos”.
Police say they believe the proceeds will not go to charity.
A spokesman from Barnardo’s told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are aware of this scam and it is being investigated by Trading Standards. No-one should fill these bags with the items – they are not genuine.”
Police in Burnham are asking residents to contact them is they see vehicles in the town attempting to collect the clothes.
PC Esther Robinson told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Police request that residents report any details of the vehicles seen collecting the bags by calling the beat manager PC Smith on 07917 001500 or on 0845 456 7000.”
The bags were first reported to police by members of Burnham’s Rosewood Local Action Team.
Pictured is Burnham PCSO Pete Williams holding one of the clothes bags
