£3k of suspected stolen goods donated to charity

A police force has donated suspected stolen goods worth more than £3,000 to a charity that supports women facing domestic abuse.

The goods were seized on 16 February, when police patrolling the Wellington Street car boot sale in Peterborough spotted people selling sweets, shampoo, body wash and detergents from suitcases and bags.

They have now been given to Peterborough Women's Aid after it was nominated by the office of the area's Police and Crime Commissioner.

"The families we work with often flee from domestic abuse with nothing, so essential items such as these are crucial," said the charity's CEO, Mandy Geraghty.

She added that the donations would "definitely improve the lives of the families we support".

The goods officers retrieved were valued at about £3,500 and included 213 confectionary products, 103 bottles of shampoo and body wash and 46 boxes of fabric cleaners and softeners.

Two women were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, but no further action was taken against them, police said.

Sgt Steve Rose, from Peterborough's city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The items remained in our possession for 30 days to allow for proof of ownership to be provided.

"After they weren't claimed, we wanted to make sure they went to good use and not disposed of, so spoke with the Police and Crime Commissioner's office, who nominated Peterborough Women's Aid to receive the goods.

"Since 16 February, we have seized a further £52,000 worth of suspected stolen items in Peterborough.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston, said: "Peterborough Women's Aid provide a vital lifeline to women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

"I am truly pleased to see these unclaimed day-to-day essentials go to towards making the lives of the people they are supporting a bit easier."

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