50,000 bags of charity clothing 'fraudulently collected' by Lithuanian gang: Wentloog Road, Cardiff
(CF3 - Thursday, 10 February, 2011)

Officers have recovered tens of thousands of charity bags full of clothing on an industrial estate off Wentloog Road, Cardiff.

It is suspected that the 50,000 bags of clothing, which should have been sorted by charities and donated to vulnerable people, were instead destined to be taken abroad and sold by organised criminals for massive profits.

It is believed the clothing, which fills six large shipping containers, has been fraudulently collected by criminals who have stolen bags left in good faith on people's doorsteps, and collected them directly from people who have fallen for fake charity collection rounds.

Officers made this discovery after a man (24) and a woman (19), both Lithuanian nationals, were arrested yesterday morning in Treorchy.

They have since been charged with offences relating to theft.

Quick thinking members of the public who contacted the police and reported suspicious behaviour enabled officers to take immediate action and make arrests.

Their investigation led them across valleys policing borders to the Wentloog Corporate Park in Rumney, Cardiff.

Three other Lithuanian nationals - two men aged 30, and a 48 year-old woman - have since been arrested and are currently in custody being questioned by officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones said:

"Thanks to quick thinking members of the public, we were able to make arrests and our enquiries have led us to this lock-up in Wentloog Corporate Park, in Rumney, Cardiff.

"This haul is likely to be the end result of weeks or months of work by the organised crime group, and it looks as though we have managed to intercept the goods just before they are transported away, most likely to an eastern European country.

"What this does show is that without realising it, so many people are lining the pockets of organised criminals who are very likely to be linked to other crime.

"People need to be mindful of this when giving to charity.

"We have had reports in the past of flyers or bags which mimic genuine charity bags being left at homes.

"We also know that bags left out for charities have been stolen.

"Bogus charity collectors are not only stealing from residents but from the most vulnerable in our communities - the people genuine charities are striving to help.

"Our message is, please keep giving vital help to charities, but give with care and check your donation is going to those in need.

"All of these items of clothing will be sent on to their rightful charity owners if they can be identified.

"Any others will be donated to a good cause.

"Whatever happens, somebody somewhere who is vulnerable, will benefit."

Police Force: South Wales

Address:
Wentloog Road
Rumney
Cardiff
South Glamorgan
CF3