All of us at the Big Issue are aware members of the public are concerned about the number of people approaching them to buy the Big Issue magazine.

We have a very strict policy on how the magazine can be sold. All legitimate vendors (recognised by a pink badge) have signed an agreement they will abide by our code of conduct.

It is designed to protect the public, the reputation of the Big Issue and help vendors to sell more copies of the magazine.

We do not tolerate the sale of the magazine anywhere other than on recognised pitches, which we have recently marked. This has been done in partnership with the police and local authority.

Big Issue vendors may not approach people away from their pitch and they are certainly not allowed to attempt to sell the magazine in cafes, bars or on any other private property.

Any Big Issue vendor reported to be doing so can face a suspension, either temporary or permanent, if we are not convinced the poor practice will not be repeated.

We will take action whenever we hear about it but it is not possible for us to monitor everywhere, 24 hours a day.

If anyone tries to sell the Big Issue magazine on anywhere other than a legitimate marked pitch, please help us to prevent him or her from doing so.

If they are wearing a Big Issue badge, please take a note of the number and report it to us on 01273 234781 or 07931 507869, stating the time and date of the incident, the badge number and a brief description of the vendor.

If the vendor is not wearing a badge, it is likely he or she is unlicensed by us and is using our magazine as a cover for their begging, which is often conducted in an aggressive and harassing manner.

Sussex police has given an undertaking it will deal with such people. We work closely with the police and want to see rogue vending of the magazine stamped out.

By raising this awareness, we can improve the chances of those Big Issue vendors who do abide by the rules and are only looking to help themselves out of the unfortunate position they find themselves in.

-Peter Wileman, manager, The Big Issue