Charity shops lose €10m as gangs steal clothes donations

CHARITY shops have lost an estimated €10 million in the last two years because foreign crime gangs are stealing donations of clothes that householders leave outside their doors.

Charity shops lose €10m as gangs steal clothes donations

Paul Hughes, spokesman for the Irish Charity Shops’ Association, said the dent in their income due to thefts — perpetrated mainly by Eastern European and African-based gangs — was seriously affecting their ability to help people who were genuinely in need.

Among the 16 charities affected are the Irish Cancer Society, Barnardos, Age Action, Enable Ireland, Threshold, St Vincent de Paul, the Simon Community and MS Ireland.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

You have reached your article limit.

Unlimited access. Half the price.

Annual €130 €65

Best value

Monthly €12€6 / month

More in this section

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Keep up with stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap and important breaking news alerts.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited