CommunitySafe.gov.uk

We understand that leaflets are being distributed through letterboxes from a ‘charity’, requesting unwanted medicines, claiming that the medicines can be sent to third world countries for use in those countries The flyer is bright yellow with black writing. It indicates that members of the public should place any unused or unwanted medicines in a supplied plastic bag and then left on their doorstep for collection on an allocated day. This is not believed to be legitimate. There are clear and serious safety issues with regard to medicines being left on doorsteps where they may be accessed by those for whom they are not prescribed. This was reported to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as having occurred in Redbridge, but it is possible that there have been other ‘schemes’ in other parts of the Metropolitan Police area, or indeed further afield. If any resident receives a leaflet of this kind they are asked NOT to dispose of 'unwanted' medicines in this way. Any residents who are in possession of unwanted or expired medicines are urged to return them to a dispensing chemist for safe disposal. If you, or someone that you know, has received such a leaflet, we urge you to inform your local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team in the first instance, and not to respond to the plea for prescribed medicines, Thank You.