A NUMBER of people have reported suspicious door-to-door charity collectors in the Bristol area.

From Thursday, November 20 onwards, Avon and Somerset police have received several reports from the Lockleaze and Stoke Gifford area of the Bristol.

Three men have been knocking on resident’s doors during the evening stating that they are collecting money for deaf children.

It is understood that they take bank details and other personal details such as date of birth but may not have any links to a charitable organisation. If residents decline to give bank details, the men can get forceful and become intimidating.

The men have been described as: A White male, scruffy looking, of skinny build and average height in his early twenties. He has dark curly hair. He was wearing blue ‘Vans’ trainers, a blue jacket, skinny jeans and a blue baseball cap.

A White male, of skinny build, in his early twenties. He was wearing a light green coat and a black woollen hat and a mixed race male with a small moustache wearing dark clothing.

The men have been wearing lanyards however they do not appear to represent genuine charities. They have provided ID when asked but have obscured the details on them.

The police are urging the public to be cautious about doorstep callers and to follow their tips:

- If in doubt, don’t let the person into your home.

- Check the caller’s identification. If you’re uncertain, check the charity directly to ensure that they are working for them.

- Genuine charities are registered with the Charity Commission. You can find their registration details on all of their documentation like leaflets and collection bags. Check the details and contact the Charity Commission to check they are authentic. Call on 0845 300 0218 or visit charity-commission.gov.uk.

- Send your donation to the charity directly to ensure that your money gets to its destination.

Further information about charity and other types of fraud can be found at actionfraud.police.uk.

If you are one of these men or have information about them, please contact us.

If you can help, report it on-line using the following link bit.ly/1kfjr3V. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or call the Force number 101 and ask to speak to PC Allen.