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Gardaí in Laois have issued a warning to the public following reports of people conducting bucket collections at a number of churches over the weekend without any permit.
In a post on social media, An Garda Síochána in the Laois/Offaly Division said they are aware of incidents from over the weekend where individuals attended mass and conducted bucket collections without any permit or lawful authority.
Gardaí have urged people to be aware of such collections and advised that legitimate charitable collections should always have a permit, the permission of the property owner, and collectors should be readily identifiable.
They said that by people remaining vigilant, they are protecting themselves from being misled as well as legitimate charities.
An Garda Síochána reminded people: "If you observe or are approached by anyone conducting a collection that you believe may be unauthorised, please contact An Garda Síochána immediately by calling 999/112 or your local Garda Station."