A gang of East Lothian teens have allegedly been stealing money by knocking on doors in the town and taking donations under the pretence that the money is going to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).
The incidents have been reported over the last couple of weeks and involved the youngsters going around Dunbar and knocking doors for donations claiming they are for the RNLI but keeping the cash for themselves.
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The volunteer run charity have said they are aware of the incidents and have warned locals that they do not go door knocking for donations and advised never to give any money unless a person has RNLI identification.
The lifeboat charity will notify residents of fundraising in advance and usually do it through special events and street collections. It is unclear how much money has been taken so far and how long the cheeky operation has been going on.
A spokesman for Dunbar Lifeboat Station said: “It has been brought to our attention that a group of young people may have been asking for money around Dunbar, claiming it is for donations to the RNLI.
"We would like to make people aware that such a request is not an official RNLI collection and we would advise that people do not donate money unless it is to someone with official RNLI identification."
Adding: "We do not conduct door-to-door requests for donations and, as far as possible, we advertise our official street collections in advance.
“We thank our supporters for their cooperation.”
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the UK. They have a centre at Queensferry, North Berwick and Dunbar.
On October 18 Edinburgh Live reported how the hero East Lothian coastguard team had raced to save several capsized dinghies that were caught in the rough sea.
The North Berwick RNLI team shared a warning on social media after the members of the East Lothian Yacht Club got into difficulty in the water.
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They explained that "even experienced sailors can get caught out", as they had been called out on Saturday afternoon after the five vessels had to be abandoned at sea.
You can find out more about the charity and donarte here.
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