Please beware of what comes through your door

Most people get things posted through their letter box - leaflets offering various services and bags for collecting clothes - but please don't assume what it says on them is true.

Phil Andrews, Principal Licensing Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, explains: "The majority of items are genuine but on occasion companies do not have any authorisation and therefore can operate dishonestly.

"For instance, we are aware of a leaflet which is being distributed throughout the borough which asks for you to 'donate' clothes.  The wording on the leaflet implies it's for charity but in fact the clothes are being sold for a profit."

Anyone collecting money or items door-to-door needs to have consent from the council known as a house-to-house permit.  And street collection permits are needed to collect money on the street.

If you are unsure about the authenticity of anyone offering services or collecting for charity please contact the council on 020 8207 7435 or email licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk