Bogus collector steals textiles from outside Pendle homes
Published Tuesday 14th June 11
Someone is stealing textiles put out for collection outside homes across Pendle, warns Pendle Council.
The person, posing as the contractor who collects the textiles on behalf of Pendle Council, is taking the red sacks full of people's unwanted textiles.
Councillor James Starkie, Executive Member for Waste, said:
"We have had reports of a 'bogus' collection vehicle going around Pendle collecting the red sacks of textiles put out for recycling.
"Having checked with Cohen's, the contractor who collects the textiles for us, we know that it's definitely not one of their vehicles. All Cohen's vans are white with a green logo.
"We've reported the situation to the Police, who are now making investigations."
Councillor Starkie asks local people to look out for any unusual vehicles taking away their red sacks of textiles.
If anyone sees an unauthorised car or van taking them away, they should make a note of its registration plate, make and model, and report it to the Council - call us on (01282) 661743.
Councillor Starkie added:
"Taking these textiles is theft. Anyone we find stealing them will be reported to the Police and will have to face the consequences.
"Local people are putting their unwanted clothes etc. out for collection in good faith, thinking they will be recycled or that they are helping charity.
"I want to reassure them that we are doing what we can to stop these bogus collections happening."
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