Bags of clothes left outside homes for a charity are being stolen by thieves.
Residents in Knuzden are being warned about the problem after a series of thefts were reported to the neighbourhood police team.
Similar incidents have also been reported in Hawthorn Avenue, Oswaldtwistle. Kind-hearted residents had left the clothes and other items for collection by the North West Air Ambulance Service.
Knuzden PCSO Rikky Gallacher said the problem has been particularly bad in the last few weeks, with at least six thefts. He said: "It’s a real shame. People are donating very good clothes and supporting the charity every month out of the goodness of their own hearts only for the donation to be stolen."
He urged residents to keep donating but to also be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. Lynda Brislin, chief executive of North West Air Ambulance, said the charity was working with police to try and prevent future thefts. She said: "Collection bags are a really effective way for us to receive donated clothes and second-hand items. They go on to help us raise a high proportion of the £4.2 million we need to keep our air ambulances flying and saving lives across the region.
"We are extremely saddened by reports that collection bags have been stolen from outside residents’ homes."
Anyone who sees anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 101.
