Police today issued a warning after it was believed unscrupulous teenagers took money intended for a charity.
Four girls have been approaching people using genuine charity sponsorship forms downloaded from the internet.
The money collected has not been passed on to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (Cry).
Police launched an investigation after a sponsor form was found ripped up in a drain.
The youngsters had been calling at houses and businesses in the town claiming to be collecting sponsors for a charity run.
A Clacton police spokesman said: "Kind residents put their hands in their pockets and paid money up front. However, the girls then disposed of the sponsorship forms and kept the cash."
Police have warned residents not to part with cash for sponsorship until after an event and unless the person is well known to them.
The girls were between 14 to 16 years old. Information to 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, November 16, 2005
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