02 Jul 2026
Police have promised they are taking reports of bogus charity collectors seriously after being accused of inaction on social media.
A man with banners and signs for two different charities touting for donations outside Harpenden’s Sainsbury’s supermarket was approached by a member of the public and accused of running a scam, prompting the “collector” to gather up his banners and drive away.
But the concerned citizen said he was dismayed at the response after contacting police: “They didn’t seem bothered and just asked me to send them a photo of the guy’s ID. I also spoke to a Special Constable about it and he said there was nothing they could do.”
The St Albans Times contacted Herts police who inititally said they were not aware of this specific scammer. However a couple of days later they came back and said that the neighbourhood sergeant for that area has been dealing with the matter for some time.
A spokesperson for Herts police said: “We are aware of the issue regarding people collecting money for good causes in Harpenden town centre and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team have been monitoring the situation for over a year. Some of these are not charity collectors but people working for private businesses known as Community Interest Companies – CICs – that claim to support good causes.
“All CIC collectors must declare that they are not a charity organisation to anyone asked to make a donation.
“Officers have engaged with all of the collectors who have been reported to them so far. They have also been working with St Albans District Council, Harpenden Town Council and Trading Standards regarding these associations.
“Anyone who has any concerns regarding collectors in Harpenden should email HarpendenNPT@herts.police.uk or call 101 and ask for the Harpenden Neighbourhood Police team.
“No one should feel obligated to give money to any street collector and anyone who feel pressurised to do so should report this immediately.”
