An Amersham charity shop has reminded members of the public to not leave donations outside of their premises as we get closer to Christmas.

Helen & Douglas House, which is one of many second-hand stores in the town, told the Free Press that it is ‘frustrating’ that boxes and bags are left outside during closed hours by members of the public.

Those found leaving their unwanted belongings outside shops could leave them with a £500 fine, as it is technically labelled as fly-tipping.

Shop manager Jacki Kew said: “Thankfully, we don’t get a lot left outside but it has happened in the past.

“People will go through it [the donations], so you’re left with ripped bags and stuff everywhere and the elements get it.

“If the rain gets it, it is completely useless and then you can’t sell it, and if it is left outside, then it is more than likely rubbish as it’s not sellable.

“Then it costs us money to get rid of it.

“Sometimes you can find items like jewellery and you’re thinking ‘wow, that was lucky’ because someone could have got that or it could have been damaged.

“It’s not good to leave things outside.

“We do have our opening hours on the shop window so that’s when people should leave us donations.”

One of the charity shops in the town that frequently reminds customers to not leave their donations outside is the Cancer Research brand along the High Street, as they have a sign in their window.

Mrs Kew hopes that others will take note as she described the issue as ‘frustrating’.

She continued: “It’s fly-tipping.

“The last time we had it was back in the summer.

“I wasn’t hear but my colleague sent me photos of boxes and bags that had been left.

“She couldn’t get through the door as it was piled up in front of the door, and that was very frustrating.”

In August this year, two Slough residents were given hefty fines after they were seen leaving donations outside a Barnardo’s branch in the town.

A Barnardo’s spokesperson said: “We’re always really grateful for donations to our charity and would like to say a huge 'thank you' to those who continue to support us.

“It is however vital that people check our current opening times. These are shown at the entrance to the store.

“Donations that are left outside the shop are often damaged by animals, the weather or even stolen before they can be accepted by our store teams.”