Police warn public over identity fraud

As part of National Identity Fraud Prevention Week officers are urging people to be more careful to safeguard information which could help fraudsters.

Research shows one in three Britons simply throw away without shredding everything a criminal needs to steal a person's identity, including passports, driving licences, CVs, phone and utility bills. And 11 per cent throw away whole credit or debit card numbers.

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Det Chief Insp Gary Blinkhorn of South Yorkshire Police said: "The best way to safeguard personal information is through preventative measures, whether you're shopping online or throwing out your bills."

Tenants who rent their homes are at a high risk of fraud, as are graduates, young professionals and council tenants.

Log on to www.stop-idfraud.co.uk or call freephone 00800 18101810 for a leaflet.