A cruel thief has stolen dozens of donation bags intended for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) after bogus collectors struck last week.

The bags were taken from the Woodfield Road area in Wallington and residents have been asked to be wary of bogus collectors.

BHF collectors can be identified by checking their identification cards which they are instructed to produce if asked by a member of the public.

June Tumilty, BHF area manager for Surrey, said: “There have been a number of reports bogus collectors operating in this area either asking householders to donate clothing and textiles or taking stock bags which have been left out for collection.

“These collectors are working for commercial gain, with none of the proceeds going to charity.

“Stealing bags that have been left out for our Charity is akin to robbing people with heart conditions of a better quality of life.”

All profits raised from goods donated to the British Heart Foundation Shops go directly to fighting heart disease, which remains UK’s biggest killer.

BHF Shops are urgently seeking donations of good quality clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, DVDs, CDs, books, toys and bric-a-brac.

To check if a legitimate collection is taking place in your neighbourhood or to find the location of your nearest BHF Shop call 0844 412 5000 or visit bhf.org.uk/shops.