National strategy to tackle charity bag fraud

Organised crime gangs are making millions by stealing second hand clothes donated to or destined for UK charities and selling them on Eastern European high streets.

That was the message from the City of London Police to charities, law enforcement agencies, MPs and the Cabinet Office at an event held to develop a national strategy on combating charity bag fraud.

In recent months it has emerged how charity shops are being badly hit as bags of clothes donated to them are being removed from the pavement before the legitimate collectors arrive.

In other cases fraudsters provide collection bags that appear to be from legitimate charities but take the donations to sell abroad. 

More than 50 representatives heard how the City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) it manages are targeting the national and international criminal networks behind much of this crime.

The force’s detectives are running a major investigation while a charity desk, drawing on industry volunteers, has been set-up within the NFIB to analyse criminal intelligence and co-ordinate the national police response.

Speaking on Twitter the MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tracey Crouch, described it as an ‘excellent seminar’.

The Commissioner of City of London Police, Adrian Leppard, said:

“Charity bag fraud is an emerging threat that is making organised crime gangs millions of pounds by exploiting society’s goodwill and stealing from those helping the most vulnerable in society.

“Today’s event was an important stepping stone towards having a national strategy that will enable law enforcement and the charity sector to work in close partnership to tackle what is a particularly callous and cold-hearted crime.

“It is also crucial for the public to play their part by checking that bags delivered to them are genuine by reading the charity number listed on the side

NSPCC's Director of Fundraising, Paul Amadi, said:
 
"This forum is an important event for the whole charity sector, as so many UK charities have felt the effects of charity bag theft and fraud.

“We’re very pleased that the City Of London Police is working closely with the NSPCC and others, to prevent more crime taking place and encourage people to report concerns.”