Bags of clothes left out for collection by a charity from doorsteps in Kings Bromley, near Lichfield, have been stolen.

The donated clothing would have been sold by the British heart Foundation at its charity shops in the area.

BHF spokeswoman Julie Villiers said: “There have been a number of reports of bogus collectors operating in this area either asking householders to donate clothing and textiles or taking stock bags which have been left out for collection.

“These ‘collectors’ are working for commercial gain, with none of the proceeds going to charity.

“All profits raised from goods donated to the British Heart Foundation Shops go directly to fighting heart disease, which remains the UK’s biggest killer.

“Stealing bags that have been left out for our charity is akin to robbing people with heart conditions of a better quality of life.”

BHF collectors can be identified in a number of ways. Collection vans now display BHF logos and operatives carry identification cards which they are instructed to produce if asked to do so by a member of the public.

“To check if a legitimate collection is taking place in your neighbourhood, please contact your local shop.”