COMPLAINTS against charity collectors and street vendors in Abergavenny are increasing, it's been revealed.

Police have confirmed that grumbles about the pedlars and "chuggers" have slipped up a gear.

They have issued guidance to make people more aware of the real and the bogus operators.

And they urge anyone with doubts to contact the charity direct to make inquiries about other ways of giving.

All cash collections in public places need a licence or permit - and the money tins and buckets used must be sealed and feature the organisation's name and registration number.

It is illegal to collect cash in ordinary buckets or containers.

Anyone agreeing to set up a direct debit need only give their bank account number and sort code. All cheques should be made payable to the charity and no one else.

Monmouthshire County Council, the licensing authority, revealed that 47 street collections have taken place in Abergavenny over the last year.

But a spokesman explained that a street collection licence is required for cash - but not for anyone soliciting direct debit payments which are only promises of money at a later date.