BOGUS van drivers in the Penge area, who are depriving a leading charity of vital fundraising opportunities, have been branded "despicable" by police.

Residents in the Penge area can donate clothes, books and bric-a -brac to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop in the High Street by filling specially-marked bags, which are collected by van drivers.

Some residents have left the bags outside their houses for collection but a bogus collector has beaten the official van to the spot.

BHF shop manager Barbara Ashton said: "We are distressed that goods donated to us in good faith, which could be sold to assist the fight against heart diseases, are being stolen by bogus drivers.

"We fear this has been going on for some time and we are appealing to the public to be wary and make sure their goods are going to the right people.

"All genuine BHF van drivers carry identification."

BHF spokesman Mandi Simms added: "There is definitely a problem at this time in the Penge area.

"The police have been informed and we would ask all our donors to be alert to this."

Inspector Paul Bather, of Bromley Police, said: "This is despicable behaviour by a criminal element of society.

"We would welcome any information to arrest the persons responsible for these heinous offences."

December 6, 2001 9:47