FAKE charity collectors have been targeting unsuspecting members of the public by pretending to represent a hospice.

Bogus collectors have been taking to the streets of Southend claiming they were collecting for Havens Hospices.

The charity has reported the incident, which took place in the past week, to police.

Genuine fundraisers who have collected thousands of pounds for the hospices have been left disgusted by the incident.

Brian Hawkes, 50, of Shirley Gardens, Basildon, took on a charity bike ride for Havens.

He was joined by Tony Graham, 48, of Lovelace Avenue, Southend and Mark Goddard, 47, of Albion Road, Westcliff, cycling for four days from London to Paris.

The trio, who all work at Alton Garden Centre, off the A127, raised more than £7,000.

Mr Hawkes said: “I think this is terrible. As someone who tried hard to raise money for the charity I think these people are undoing our good work.

“I think that the public may be concerned and think again about giving cash donations to people who say they are collecting for charities on the streets.”

Vanessa Longley, fundraising director at Havens Hospices, said the charity is lucky to have such strong support.

She added: “We take this very seriously which is why we have processes in place to help identify any fraudulent activity.

“Anyone fundraising on behalf of Havens Hospices should have a letter of authority issued by us to say they are legitimate.

“Any staff members, volunteers or Weekly Draw canvassers will have Havens Hospices ID badges.”

Street collectors need council permission and all buckets should be sealed with Havens’ registered charity number attached.

To report any suspicious fundraising activity, call Havens on 01702 220350.