Residents warned about the dodgy collectors knocking on doors and visiting public houses

VISIT, a voluntary homeless support service and soup kitchen in Tallaght, has issued a warning through its Facebook page, a post which received a number of comments from people who had handed money over at their door.

Nicola Moore, a VISIT volunteer, said: “It came to our attention after the home of one of our volunteers was targeted and another volunteer was approached in a pub for money.

“When the volunteer tried to ask them about who they were collecting for, they ran off.”

She added: “This gang is not specifically claiming to be collecting for VISIT or any other local registered charity, from reports they are just saying homeless services.

“We have had a good few reports of bogus collectors calling into local homes, with one collector legging it with a woman’s €50 – which she handed over but asked for change.

“These collectors are targeting people at a time when they feel compelled to support homeless services and those sleeping on our streets.

“Homeless services are struggling at the moment and if anybody would like to donate, they should donate directly to one of the local registered charities.”

Tallaght Supt Peter Duff said: “At this time of the year and in the run-up to Christmas, people need to be aware of who is knocking at their door.

“Anybody collecting must have a permit and if they cannot produce a valid permit or you feel that they are acting suspicious, do not hand over money and call the Garda station.

“We will check it out and people who are legitimately collecting generally have no problem being asked for a permit.

“It’s important that people report any suspicious activity.”

Contact Tallaght Garda Station on 6666000.

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