Thieves in Kildare have been targeting homeowners posing as Priests collecting for charity.

The Evening Herald reports that residents in Newbridge, Co. Kildare raised the alarm after a man posing as a priest called to homes looking for charity contributions.

Local garda Sgt Seamus Rothwell of Newbridge Garda Station told the paper that “someone dressed as a priest" has been collecting for charity. He said the matter is being investigated.

Local Councilor Damien Molyneaux said he had received several complaints from constituents.

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Community representative Ger Murphy advised people to check charity collectors’ permits.

Last March a man posing as a bogus priest was arrested for collecting door-to-door in Co. Kildare.