Appeal over bogus charity boxes

Businesses in Kent have been duped into promoting a scam charity drive, according to police. Firms have been asked to display boxes containing sweets that claim proceeds from a £1 donation will go to the Dogs for the Disabled charity.

But the organisation, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, said it did not use the method to raise funds and had reported the activity to Kent Police.

Three people have since been questioned and released on bail. Businesses in Canterbury, Ramsgate, Medway, Dartford and Maidstone have all been asked to display the boxes.

Det Sgt Fred McCormack said: "We would be keen to hear from any firm with the boxes. We are investigating a fraud and believe that businesses took the boxes in good faith having been told that they would be supporting a charity."

A sticker on the boxes showed a charity number that Dogs for the Disabled said it no longer used. The organisation provides and trains assistance dogs to help people with disabilities live more independent lives.