Charity workers have issued a warning about bogus callers after Red Cross uniforms were stolen in a burglary.

Volunteers are concerned residents could be duped into giving away money to thieves dressed in the charity uniform.

The burglars smashed their way into the Red Cross centre in West Green Drive in West Green, Crawley, through a toilet window.

They “trashed” the building before stealing a small amount of cash and the uniforms.

A hat, two pairs of trousers, five shirts and a boiler suit all bearing the charity logo were taken from the centre.

Now volunteers are urging people to check collectors’ identification badges before donating their cash.

However they added the vast majority of collectors would be genuine.

Wendy Cory, volunteer at the centre, said: “We want to let people know the uniforms have gone and that they must insist anybody who approaches them shows their ID.

“People trust people in a Red Cross uniform.”

The centre provides short-term loans of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, for people with a disability or illness.

She said it was the first time she had heard of a Red Cross centre being targeted.

The break-in was reported on Sunday when one of the volunteers who had come to cut the grass noticed the window had been smashed.

Sussex Police said anyone with information about the burglary should contact them on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Anyone with concerns about identification can contact the Red Cross on 0800 0280 831.