Fears over doorstep collectors after dark (From Worcester News)

Fears over doorstep collectors after dark

7:30am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Richard Vernalls, @rvernallsWN #worcsnews

DOOR-TO-DOOR callers collecting for animal charity the RSPCA after dark were stopped and spoken to by police after they raised people’s suspicions.

Householders in Kempsey, near Worcester, called West Mercia Police on Friday night reporting that two men had asked if they wanted to set up direct debits to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Officers were on the scene at St Mary’s Close within half-an-hour of the call at 8pm to investigate, as home-owners feared the two were not all they seemed.

Officers quickly caught up with the men – both of whom were wearing identification, and RSPCA tabards – and discovered they were exactly who they claimed to be.

“Our officers were happy they were legitimate,” said a West Mercia spokesman.

There is no suggestion the collectors have done anything wrong.

The RSPCA confirmed its door-to-door fund-raisers are actually employed by another firm, and offer people the chance to complete direct debit forms at the doorstep.

The RSPCA fund-raising teams have also been out and about in Worcester, in Warndon Villages and Barbourne.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “Anyone with concerns about door-to-door callers should always ask for identification, a phone number for their organisation or an online internet address.

“That way if people do wish to make a donation, they can do so at their leisure and without pressure.”

Jo Barr, RSPCA spokeswoman, said: “The RSPCA has been using door-to-door fund-raisers since 2000 and, like a large number of charities, needs to raise money using a number of different methods.

“The door-to-door fund-raisers are employed by a company and they all wear the RSPCA tabard to identify themselves and also carry an ID card so people are able to check their credentials.”