Sutton white van scam 'despicable'

By jnewton

A VAN scam in Sutton is denting a charity's fund-raising efforts. Residents have been putting out bags of clothes for Kidney Research UK on the mornings of planned collections.

But a rogue white van is beating the official collection vehicle to the goods.

"It raised my suspicions as soon as I saw it because they were driving so fast – it just didn't look the part," said a Morven Road resident who asked not to be named.

The van is plain, but the real deal has the appointed collector's name, Local Community Recycling Services Limited.

The resident said: "These people are depriving very needy people by pinching the stuff gathered by those who are helping."

A spokesperson for the charity said: "Local Community Recycling Services Limited collects on our behalf.

"LCRSL received a phone call about the incident in Morven Road and instantly broadcast a warning to all their vans.

"They then contacted the local police.

"It's such a shame if we don't receive all generous donations because it helps us raise essential lifesaving funds for kidney research."

A resident of Erdington also contacted the Observer with a similar complaint.

She said: "On Tuesday night, my daughter and I put out about six charity bags to be collected on Wednesday.

"Within two hours they had gone.

"Someone is stealing what good-hearted people put out to help those less fortunate than themselves.

"I think it is despicable."