POLICE chiefs have warned generous Bolton residents to be on their guard after a spate of bogus charity collecting.

The advice comes after two conmen were spotted in Bromley Cross attempting to collect money using suspected stolen Marie Curie Cancer Care donation boxes.

Neither man had identification and they were turned away from a house empty-handed.

Now charity shop managers have told residents never to give money to collectors they are suspicious of.

Linda Brockbank, manager at the Marie Curie Cancer Care shop in Great Moor Street, Bolton, believes the two donation boxes were stolen from the store along with cash and clothing in a raid last May. The nearby Scope Cerebral Palsy store and the Arthritis Research Campaign shop were also targeted.

Mrs Brockbank said: "Stealing from charity shops is disgraceful as they are also stealing from people we are trying to raise money for. These people are the lowest of the low.

"The woman at the house said both the men looked suspicious and had no identification with them. They were both carrying Marie Curie Cancer Care donation boxes.

"Often people give without thinking but we do not even do door-to-door collecting. All our charity collections are done either on the phone or by post."

The boxes are blue and yellow with 'Marie Curie Cancer Care' written across the side.

Parishioners at churches in the Bromley Cross area were warned of the deception at services on Sunday. Both men attempted to collect from a house last week.

Mrs Brockbank added: "All official charity collectors carry identification and wear badges. My fear is that they will try again or go elsewhere in Bolton."

"Of course, there are plenty of legitimate collectors out there but people should always ask for identification."

Police today confirmed they were investigating the incident.

Anyone with information should contact Bolton Police on 0161 872 5050 or the Marie Curie Cancer Care store on 01204 388 361.