Charity money box suspect charged

A woman pulled over by police for talking on her mobile phone while driving has been charged with stealing charity donation boxes in Melbourne.

When police stopped the 34-year-old Ferntree Gully woman for using the phone while steering a car they found she was wanted in relation to the charity money box thefts.

The boxes were stolen from businesses in Oakleigh, Rowville, Ringwood, Camberwell, Nunawading, Boroondara and Doncaster in the past three months.

The woman has been charged with 18 offences and bailed to appear in court at a later date.