Bogus Bags campaign  

Over the past few years, household collections of clothing and other goods have become commonplace. Many charities run collections that help to raise vital funds for the good causes they represent.Sadly, some bags intended for charity are being stolen by thieves and fraudulent collectors, costing UK charities many millions in lost income each year. Many residents are now understandably nervous of donating goods in this way and this could lead to an even greater loss of income for charities.Alistair McLean, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB)told me that the real crisis is that charities need donors’ confidence and support now more than ever. While charity bag crime is a worry for all, we ask donors to remember that the large majority of collections are legitimate and that charities rely heavily on this income stream.I am supporting the Bogus Bags campaign, led by the...