Gardaí in Donegal are urging the public to be careful about making unofficial donations this Christmas.
As concerns surround organised street begging in towns such as Letterkenny and Ballybofey, local gardaí are calling on people to donate to registered charities and research where their money is going.
“At Christmas time people feel the need to give to charity, and we do encourage that but we urge the public please only make donations to registered charities if you wish to donate to those in need,” said Garda Grainne Doherty.
“At this time of year, we are inundated with requests for donations from organisations and also individuals who are claiming to be in need.
“The majority of these requests are genuine but unfortunately, as always, some are not.
“Enquiries are ongoing into organised begging at present,” Gda Doherty said.
“That is why we ask people when they are feeling generous this Christmas, if they are choosing to give to somebody people do ensure it is a registered charity. You are safe in the knowledge that your money is going where it is needed and to people who are genuinely in need.”
