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Uncharitable Clothing Collections

Bogus charity clothing collections under a false name are currently being attempted in Poole, warns the Borough of Poole's Environmental & Consumer Protection Services (E&CPS).

Leaflets using the name of the legitimate registered company Cycle Aid Ltd are being distributed in certain parts of the Borough seeking unwanted clothing with the claim that it would be sent to those in need in the Third World.  However, investigations by the Council's Consumer Protection Officers have revealed that the collections have nothing to do with Cycle Aid , a legitimate company which supports cyclists in seeking compensation following accidents. Furthermore, Cycle Aid , which is based in Preston, were unaware of the leaflets and have never dealt in second hand clothing.

This is the first time E&CPS have discovered criminals using flyers with a genuine charities name on them. The recent developments come following previous warnings by the E&CPS team of bogus charity clothing collections and the news that this problem is becoming increasingly more widespread.

Typically, householders receive flyers through their letterboxes appealing for donations of unwanted clothes, footwear and sometimes other household items for distribution to poor individuals and families in Easter European or third world countries.  In reality the collections are being organised by commercial operators who sell the donated items for profit and who hide a reference to being a limited company in the small print.

Andrew Crossen-White, Principal Officer at E&CPS said: "House to house charitable collections require a licence from the local authority unless they are operating under a Home Office Exemption Order which usually applies to national collections. Many organisations do follow the correct procedures and have genuine charitable interests, however there are criminals out there who are only interested in making money and deliberately attempt to deceive the public into thinking their donation is for a charitable purpose rather than for private gain. We urge people to check carefully the details on the charity collection bags and flyers that arrive through the door."

Anyone with concerns about a collection should contact the Council's E&CPS on 01202 261700. If in doubt unwanted clothes or other items can be given directly to local charities or recycled at clothing banks throughout the Borough.

Andrew Crossen-White, E&CPS, Borough of Poole, 01202 261732