GENEROUS East Devon residents who give to good causes are being urged to give with care because of the rise in bogus charity collectors.

GENEROUS East Devon residents who give to good causes are being urged to 'give with care' because of the rise in bogus charity collectors.

In a Government campaign backed by the police and Age Concern, The Association of Charity Shops estimates that charities lose between �2.5 million and �3 million a year through theft and people mistakenly giving clothing to commercial companies in the belief they are charities.

The 'Give with Care' campaign aims at helping households across the country ensure their charity donations are going to genuine causes and help the generous people who want to give to charity understand what to look for in leaflets and bags that come through their letterbox.

While clothing companies may be acting legally, their leaflets may be largely indistinguishable from charities, unless people know what to look for.

Hugh Forde, of Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "Like many charities, Age Concern and Help the Aged rely on the generous donations.