Three arrested after clothes stolen from charity bins found in Purfleet
During a search Essex Police also found around £38k in cash
Three people have been arrested after bags of clothes, toys, and prams, believed to have been stolen from charity donation bins were found in Purfleet.
Essex Police have been investigating large-scale theft of clothes donated to charity.
During a search of the premises at the London Road industrial unit, officers located a substantial amount of cash estimated to be £38,000, washing machines, industrial scales, conveyor belts, cages and a forklift. Within a building and a marquee, sacks containing clothes were stacked to the ceiling and were four or more deep in places.
The clothes, shoes, toys and prams found were believed to have been stolen from charity donation bins.
PC Jacob George said: “This type of theft is complex.
“Our communities expect that when they make a donation, it reaches the people it was intended for, that it will be used for good and will be given to some of the most deserving people in society.”
Arrests
A 48-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
Two men – aged 38 and 31 – were also arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.
All three have been bailed until 28 June whilst enquiries continue.
Essex Police believe some of the goods they found were destined to be sold abroad.
We're being encouraged to continue to donate clothes and items of need to charities, but to report anything suspicious.