A NEW charity shop which opened in Chorley town centre this week received a welcome it didn't expect - from callous thieves.

For sacks of clothing meant for the British Heart Foundation shop were whisked away by two men in a van.

Charity workers have hit out at the heartless pair who drove off with the donations left on doorsteps.

The thefts will not only hit the shop's profits - but could lead to a costly nationwide scheme to combat the crime.

BHF regional manager Andrew Vale said: "The sacks were stolen literally half an hour before the real collector arrived.

"They took good quality saleable clothes which would have been sold to raise money for vital research into heart disease."

The new Market Walk shop was opened by a town crier and Mayor of Chorley Mel Coombes on Tuesday.

Mr Vale said the thieves would probably take the clothes for themselves or sell them at car boot sales.

He added: "There are knock-on effects. We have a pilot scheme in Oldham where we put our official logo on collection vans which costs a great deal and is money we need.

"The trial has worked well. It looks as though it will have to be extended nationwide in the near future."

But he urged residents not to be beaten by the thieves, saying: "Please have the confidence to put out your donations or bring them to the shop.

"Our official collectors carry a licence and a certificate with photo. If you are unsure about a collector then ask to see identification."

Police are looking for the men who used a white Transit van to take the clothing in Carr Lane, Chorley.

Insp Simon Atkinson, of Chorley Police, said: "It is surprising what people steal.

"People can say they are doing nothing wrong as the clothes were being thrown out anyway, but it is still a crime to steal them, just as you can get done for taking things from tips.

"The clothes would have been usable. It is ripping off the charity which could have raised money for their work. Police inquiries are still continuing."

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