CRIMINAL gangs operating across Hampshire could be costing charities more than £500,000 a year.

The stark warning has been issued by Clothes Aid, which raises for funds for good causes such as Macmillan Cancer Support and the NSPCC by collecting and selling unwanted garments.

It says bogus collectors are either stealing Clothes Aid sacks - or distributing their own bags and pocketing the cash raised by selling the contents.

The problem is said to be particularly bad in Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham.

Clothes Aid has written to councils across Hampshire and the county's chief constable, Olivia Pinkney, in a bid to raise awareness of the issue.

A Clothes Aid spokesman said: "We are appealing for householders in Hampshire to clear out their wardrobes and donate their unloved clothes to support national charities, but we are also calling for a crack down on bogus collections. They're defrauding the public and taking funds away from genuine charities."

Clothes Aid claims conmen are distributing their own collection sacks in a bid to fool the public.

The illegal activity comes to light when the charity investigates reports of suspicious activity and discovers no licences have been issued for collections in the area.

"We've recently been made aware of an increase in criminal gangs attempting to deceive residents in Hampshire into handing over unwanted clothing," said the spokesman.

"These donations should be supporting charities but are being kept by shady organisations for their own personal gain.

"It's incredibly important that the people of Hampshire are not put off donating their clothing to charity, but we ask that they be vigilant.

"All Clothes Aid collection bags have the logos and registered numbers of our partner charities and relevant industry bodies, plus a fundraising statement – a legal requirement – which clearly states how much money (per tonne collected) will be paid to the charity."

Clothes Aid claims that unlawful collections across Hampshire are depriving charities of more than £500,000 a year.

The spokesman said the figure was based on the number of unlicensed collections known to have taken place, plus the estimated value and volume of the garments taken.

Charities affected include the NSPCC, which has worked with Clothes Aid since 2009.

An NSPCC spokesman said the operation run by Clothes Aid enabled people to support good causes without having to make a cash donation.

He added: "Unlicensed collectors not only damage the trust of those who donate clothing but also have a very real impact on the much-needed funds received by charities."

A police spokesman said: “It’s appalling to think that people would steal from or defraud a charity.

"We would always encourage anyone who is suspicious about charity collectors, including clothing collectors, to contact us so we can investigate further where needed.”

Hampshire Trading Standards said the issuing of licences for house-to-house collections was a matter for district and unitary councils.

Anyone suspicious about collection bags delivered to their home should contact their local council or ring the Clothes Aid helpline on 020 7288 8545.