LOCAL charities are urging people to be cautious with their cash in the lead up to Christmas, as criminals posing as bogus collectors take advantage of the season of good will.

It comes as a 14-year-old youth and a man aged 19 were arrested for pocketing cash after posing as fundraisers taking part in a sponsored walk. They were charged on Wednesday October 16 with four counts of obtaining property by deception.

Appeals manager for St Catherine's Hospice in Lostock Hall, John Nixon said: "This is a great concern for us and other charities particularly leading up to Christmas.

"Before people give to anybody, if they are in any doubt, they should check with us first."

And Susan Poppitt, fundraiser for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley, said people stealing from charities may as well just take the money directly from the needy.

She said: "Fundraising is increasingly difficult, it's hard work meeting targets each year. When conmen commit crime in the name of a charity, not only are they taking money from those who need it, but they are undermining the public's trust."

PC Steve Gilmore, of Lea Police said: "People in the Lea and Ashton areas have been targeted and the elderly have been particularly vulnerable."