Craven Arms suspicious charity collector reports investigated
Police are investigating several reports about a woman going door to door in Craven Arms collecting sponsorship for charity events.
Two residents from the Clun Road and St John's Crescent thought she was suspicious and that her claims of raising money for charity may be bogus.
Local Policing Officer, PC Barry Morgan is now investigating and urging any other residents who have been similarly approached to get in touch.
One resident who was in their garden on July 24 was approached by the young woman who said she was taking part in a night walk from Craven Arms to Ludlow in aid of Cancer Research. She asked for payment in advance and was given £20.
Three days later, she approached the same person again while they were visiting a friend, asking for sponsorship but for a different walk.
And another resident said they had also been approached by a woman who was calling on neighbours in St John's Crescent. On this occasion, the woman said she was doing a sponsored read for Radbrook College.
PC Morgan said: "We have received two reports from local residents who are suspicious about this woman's claims. I am investigating the matter and anxious to hear from anyone else who has been approached in similar fashion, especially if they have handed over or pledged money.
"She has claimed to be collecting for various charities, including the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research and a sponsored read for Radbrook College."
PC Morgan or other members of the Local Policing Team can be contacted at Craven Arms police station or by calling 0300 333 3000.
The woman has been described as in her twenties, round faced, maybe wearing glasses, with short orange-dyed or curly brown hair.
West Mercia Police strongly advise not to handover money to strangers calling at home, whatever reason they give, and never to let strangers inside. If suspicious, call the police straight away.
