CHARITY workers whose van was stolen from Accrington fear the thieves may be posing as collectors to con people into making donations.

A dark blue Bedford Astramax van belonging to the Preston branch of the Cats Protection League was stolen from a car park opposite the Castle Hotel, Whalley Road, Accrington.

The charity's logo, which includes pictures of cats, was marked on the front and sides of the van, which was taken on Tuesday, October 5. The van, registration G318 KWT, was used by volunteers to carry items for fundraising sales and also for cat rescue operations.

Branch co-ordinator Cathy North said: "We are worried that the thieves may be posing as volunteers. Anyone who has seen our van in the last week, or has received unsolicited visits from people claiming to be from our charity, should contact the police straight away."

"The theft of the van is a sickening blow to our volunteers, who work long and hard to raise funds and to care for cats."

She added: "Our jumble sale volunteers are faced with having to make several journeys to set up a sale tomorrow, instead of the single journey made possible by the van. On top of all this, we now have the financial burden of having to replace it."

A police spokesman said: "It is possible that the thieves could be using the van to pose as volunteers. If people are approached by someone driving a van with logos on it they can sometimes assume that they are genuine."

Anyone who has seen the van or has been approached by suspect volunteers should call police on 01254 382141.

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