Police seek thief posing as charity worker

POLICE in Warrington today appealed for the public’s help following a distraction burglary involving a man claiming to be collecting for the British Heart Foundation.
On Thursday August 18 at about 4.40pm in Ellesmere Street, Warrington, the victim, aged 48, answered the door to a man claiming to be collecting on behalf of the British Heart Foundation.
While he was talking to the victim, another person entered through the back door and stolen a laptop and a bike.
The man is described as being aged in his late 20s with short, neat mousey brown hair and well spoken. He was believed to be wearing jeans and a dark polo shirt. He also had a British Heart Foundation ID badge with no photograph on a red lanyard and was carrying a clipboard and a brown satchel.
Officers are reminding residents to check ID badges before engaging in conversation and to be extra vigilant.
Andrew Russell, head of supporter development at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We are very sorry to hear that this has happened and that the bogus charity collector was claiming to be from the British Heart Foundation.
“On this occasion we did not have any fundraisers collecting in that area  All our fundraisers carry a photo identification card with their full names and the agency they work for. They will also always be in branded BHF clothing and generally operate between 12pm and 9pm every day.
“As the nation’s heart charity we rely entirely on the enormous generosity of the public to help us fund life saving research in the fight against heart disease. Without our generous supporters we would not be able to continue our vital work.
“In situations where we are made aware of fraudulent activity we do contact the local police force immediately if they have not already been made aware of the situation.
“Members of the public can also contact the British Heart Foundation on 0300 330 3322 to find out if we are currently collecting in the area.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 775 of August 18. Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.