STEALING from the needy or stealing for the needy?

Police are appealing for witnesses following various thefts from a number of clothing banks across the region.

Between 6 May and 4 July seven units in Alloa, Stirling, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Bainsford and Stenhousemuir sustained damage to their locking mechanisms, which prevented them from being emptied.

The bins were then subsequently visited and cleared of all the clothing within.

Officers within these areas are now urging anyone who can assist with their enquiries to come forward.

Sergeant David Ferguson said, “The clothes within these bins were intended for charity but may now be sold on for profit.

“We are currently trying to establish whether all of these incidents are linked and would urge anyone with information relevant to our investigation to get in touch.

“In addition, anyone who sees any suspicious activity around any clothing banks is also asked to contact police immediately.” If you have information or witnessed any of the incidents, call the Clackmannanshire community policing team on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The clothing bank incidents have occurred at: Tesco, Alloa Tesco, Stirling Morrisons, Stirling Asda, Grangemouth Co-Op, Bainsford Central Retail Park, Falkirk Asda, Stenhousemuir