Crime Prevention News
2nd Mar 2010
Cheating on charities - UPDATE
So-called 'bogus collectors' prey on the good will of the public and take donated clothing to make a profit for themselves. Typically, the householder will receive a leaflet through the door appealing for donations of unwanted clothing to be distributed to poor families in Eastern Europe or the Third World. Householders are asked to leave the goods in plastic bags by their front door. These are later collected anonymously by unmarked vehicles.
How can I tell if a collector is genuine?
The donation bag should state:
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The charity's name and registered charity number
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The authorised collection agent's name, address and telephone number
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A financial statement indicating what proceeds the charity will receive
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Legitimate collectors should carry identification
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Contact the Charity Commission help line 0870 333 0123
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Contact your Local Authority's Licensing Department to see if the collector has been granted a license to collect in your area
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Check the organisation's or charity's website
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The law requires bona fide charity collectors to carry identification.
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Contact your local trading standards to check on suspicioius companies
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You can also check the legitimacy of a company by visiting Companies House website which is http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/">www.companieshouse.gov.uk. Bear in mind that status as an active company does not necessarily ensure that its agents are trustworthy
Clothes Aid's own white collection vans are all marked with the Clothes Aid logo and often that of the charity for whom we are collecting. All our collectors wear our smart new uniform and carry Clothes Aid identification.
What should I do if I notice something suspicious
If you are at home, notice who is collecting your bag. Our collectors always carry identification, wear a distinct uniform, and drive vans marked with the Clothes Aid logo and usually a partner charity logo.
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Clothes Aid help line 0870 607 4600. Any information you give is helpful, including
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The address from where the donation was taken
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The registration number of the vehicle
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A brief description of the suspect
Putting an end to theft
Thanks to the vigilance of members of the public, we have already caught and successfully prosecuted some of these 'bogus collectors'. Clothes Aid is working closely with the Police and Trading Standards to put a stop to this theft once and for all and will always press for the most severe penalties. Please continue to support our partner charities in this way.
It is very important that bag theft does not deter the public from continuing to donate clothing to charities.
Don't let thieves steal your charitable spirit. The proceeds raised through your donations are an important source of charity support.
20th Oct 2009
OPERATION BUMBLEBEE RELAUNCHED 2009
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'TO STOP a burglar, you need to think like one' is the message from the Met's latest marketing campaign launched today by the Commissioner and the Mayor of London at NSY.
The pan-London campaign reminds Londoners of simple steps they can take to help make their home secure. |
The two week advertising campaign takes place at a particularly important time of the year when people often feel more concerned about burglary as the clocks go back and it gets darker earlier.
The campaign was launched at New Scotland yard on Monday 19th October by the Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson. He said: "I personally believe that the effects of burglary are so much more significant than a loss of property. Burglary is a violation of people's homes, a place where individuals and their families should feel safe and secure.
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Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "Burglary is an appalling crime which devastates people's lives and makes them fearful in their own homes.
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