§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards exist to prevent bogus charities collecting on the streets.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIf a person represents that he or she is collecting on behalf of a charity when that is not the case, this could amount to obtaining property by deception which is an offence under section 15 of the Theft Act 1968.
If in doubt about a collector's bona fides, members of the public should inquire whether or not the collector has the necessary authority by asking to see his badge or certificate. If the collection is said to be for a charity, a member of the public can ask whether the charity is registered with the Charity Commission. If someone has doubts about an organisation or collector soliciting donations, he or she should not give but should consider reporting the matter to the local authority, Charity Commission or police.