Four men have been arrested after police and Trading Standards Officers carried out a joint operation to investigate charity bag drops and collections.
Police in Hertford tracked a van which had been collecting charity bags in the area and four men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft and going equipped to steal.
They were aged 16, 17, 46 and 43 and were all from London. They have been bailed whilst the investigation continues.
The arrests were made after a local resident highlighted her concerns to Trading Standards.
Sergeant Ian Butler, said: "We would urge people to keep an eye out for suspicious charity bags being delivered to residential addresses. In these austere times it is important that all donations reach their intended charity. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the charity we would urge you to contact Trading Standards."
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