POLICE are today investigating claims that a number of charity bags stolen from doorsteps in Ipswich could have been taken by a London-based company.

POLICE are today investigating claims that a number of charity bags stolen from doorsteps in Ipswich could have been taken by a London-based company.

More than 200 bags destined for Mind and PDSA charity shops in the town centre have been stolen in the last few weeks.

It is believed they may have been picked up by a charity called A&P Ltd, based in north-west London.

It is thought the company collect goods from people's homes to distribute in developing countries but police have been unable to find contact details for them.

A police spokeswoman said: “We have information which suggests this company may have picked up bags in the Ipswich area but at this stage it is just one of a number of enquiries we are following up.

“Any contact details for this company would be welcomed by police.”

Around 100 bags destined for the animal welfare organisation the PDSA were taken from houses in the Landseer Road and Clapgate Lane area on November 15.

Diane Watkins, assistant manager at the PDSA's shop in Westgate Street, Ipswich, said: “I think anyone who steals from a charity is pretty low.

“It means we are losing out on money and that our stock is depleted.”

East Suffolk Mind have also fallen victim to the thieves.

On November 14 a number of bags left out for the charity were taken from Bramford Lane while on November 18 more bags were stolen from Newby Way.

Gill Dibben, manager of the East Suffolk Mind shop, St Matthews Street, Ipswich, said: “Anybody who is doing this is basically taking money away from a charity, which is a pretty awful thing to do.”

Inspector Mark Lewis, the sector commander for east Ipswich, said: “They are concerning crimes at any time of year but especially during the season of goodwill.

“If any resident has any concerns regarding the authenticity of the collector then they are asked to obtain any vehicle details and a full description of the individuals and to dial 999 immediately.

“Police can then attend and check identification and if not genuine can take the necessary action to prevent further crimes of this nature.”

Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call Ipswich police on 01473 613500.

Weblinks:

www.mind.org.uk

www.pdsa.org.uk

www.suffolk.police.uk

n Do you feel safe leaving bags of goods on your doorstep for charity? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk