'East European gangs' blamed for charity clothing bin thefts - Claims are "irresponsible" says Gosia Sztuka from Federation of Poles in Great Britain

Published: 11 March 2011
by JOSH LOEB

A POLISH federation has labelled City Hall “irresponsible” for suggesting eastern Europeans are to blame for thefts from clothing recycling bins.

A Westminster city council press release issued earlier this week stated: “Gangs from eastern Europe are believed to be responsible for a growing number of raids on clothing banks, attracted by a trebling in the price for old clothing in the past three years.”

Gosia Sztuka from the Federation of Poles in Great Britain said she was tired of eastern Europeans being scapegoated by the media.

She said: “It’s irresponsible to blame a particular group. Why are we being singled out again? Is there proof? Have eastern Europeans been caught doing this? Of what relevance is the region that the people doing these crimes come from? The press release says eastern European but that is usually shorthand for Poles.”

The press release was issued to try to tackle a growing number of raids on outdoor boxes where residents can leave unwanted garments which are then given to charity shops.

The thefts are reportedly lucrative, with a single haul reaching as much as £200.

Anyone who witnesses people removing articles clothing bins is urged to call the council on 020 7641 2000.