Identity theft is one of the fastest growing areas of crime, affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK each year and costing the UK’s economy £1.7 billion.

But there are simple steps which people can take to prevent them from becoming victims, as Detective Constable Robin Longmore of the force’s Economic Crime Unit reveals.

"Identity theft occurs when personal information is used by someone else without the victim’s knowledge. If a criminal can find out someone’s details, they can use their name to open bank accounts, get credit cards and loans or apply for state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licences.

"As a result the victim may have difficulty getting loans, credit cards or mortgages until the matter is sorted out," he explains.

Passports, driving licences, share certificates, bank account details such as cheque books, debit cards and receipts, and credit card details such as cards, statements and receipts are key targets for criminals.

These may be obtained if documents are lost or stolen, perhaps in a burglary; post does not arrive; details are given to a bogus cold caller or business; or a criminal has seen or overheard someone using their credit or debit card.

Tell-tale signs are odd items appearing on bank or credit card statements or bills, invoices or receipts for goods or services that have not been asked for. It is also suspicious if applications for financial services, such as credit cards or loans, are refused despite having a good credit history, or solicitors or debt collection agencies contact them for debts which are not theirs.

Simple steps people can take to protect themselves include keeping personal documents in a safe place, and shredding unwanted bills, receipts, credit card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post. Good quality shredders can be purchased for a reasonable price from stationers and electrical stores.

Bank or credit card statements should be checked as soon as they arrive, and information should never be given to anyone who telephones or emails a customer, claiming to be from their bank. A bank will never ask for an account number, PIN or password.

People should also regularly check personal credit files with a credit reference agency to see if they include entries they do not recognise. These checks cost as little as £2.

Anyone who suspects they have become a victim of identity fraud should act quickly to make sure that are not liable for financial losses caused by criminals using their identity.

Shoppers are being warned to be on their guard against pickpockets following a number of thefts from handbags in Hereford and Leominster.

All of the incidents have involved the theft of purses from handbags in town and city centres. Three incidents were reported on the same day in Hereford while a separate theft happened in similar circumstances.

In each case the victims were older women who were targeted while out shopping. In several of the incidents a young woman had ‘brushed’ up against the victim, who noticed personal items were missing moments later.

Police are warning shoppers – especially those with handbags – to be extra vigilant about their security and to be wary of the pickpockets.

"When you are out shopping, remember that leaving your purse or other valuables on display in a handbag or coat pocket can make for easy pickings for a thief. It can only take a few seconds and your purse may be stolen before you realise it," said Herefordshire Division’s Crime Risk Manager PC Charles Naylor.

"It is always advisable to make sure that any valuables such as wallets, purses and mobile phones are kept out of the reach of pickpockets. Never leave handbags or other shopping bags unattended for any time and make sure they are zipped or fastened securely, especially if you have just made a purchase and are putting items inside."

High visibility patrols are being carried out in town and city centres to deter further thefts but should anyone else suffer a similar theft they should report it as quickly as possible to the police or alert shop staff.

Anyone who has information about the thefts should contact Herefordshire Police on 08547 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

27^th January and 2^nd February: £300 worth of diesel was stolen from a lorry at a fruit farm on Little Marcle Road.

1^st February: The driver of a Vauxhall Corsa drove off without paying for fuel worth £36.30.

3^rd February: considerable damage was caused to a parked Mitsubishi Delica – the offender was subsequently arrested.

5^th February: Sweets and snacks were stolen from a store in the Homend on 5^th February.

3^rd/6^th February: The rear door of commercial premises on Bromyard Road was forced between Nothing was taken during the break-in.

6^th February: Cannabis was seized in Bridge Street after a vehicle was stopped.

8^th/9^th February A Subaru Impreza was removed from an industrial estate overnight. It was found abandoned and damaged on the outskirts of town

10^th/16^th February: Bottles of flavoured water and Ribena were taken from the bar area of John Masefield leisure centre after the shutters were forced.

11^th February: A soft drink was stolen from a shop in the Homend. On the same day, a 15-year-old male was injured during a fight.

12^th February: A 29-year-old male was attacked in the Homend, sustaining cuts and bruises.

17^th February: Two males attempted to force entry to the rear of shop premises, but were unsuccessful.

17^th February: A male stole a bottle of perfume from a chemist in town.

19^th February: A Nokia mobile phone was stolen in the Homend

21^st February: A Matchbox Ice Mountain worth £20 was stolen from a shop in the Homend. On the same day, a handbag was stolen and later recovered, a purse and contents were, however, missing.

22^nd February: A purse and contents were stolen from the handbag of a lady shopping in a local supermarket. In a second incident, watches worth £180 were stolen from a shop in High Street.

24^th February: A Ford Fiesta was damaged whilst parked in Ledbury after unknown offender/s smashed the window and left muddy footprints on the bonnet.

17^th/24^th February: 800 litres of diesel were stolen from business premises on a Trading Estate in Ledbury.

23^rd/24^th February: An amount of cash was stolen from shop premises after offenders forced entry through a rear window.

24^th/25^th February: A front window was pushed in at hairdressers in Ledbury causing around £100 worth of damage.

24^th/25^th February: A green Vauxhall Omega was damaged when unknown offender/s scratched a line along the side of the vehicle whilst in a car park on Lower Road Trading Estate.

25^th February: A box of magazines that was delivered to a newsagent in town was damaged during the early hours of the morning and some of the contents were taken.

26^th / 27^th February Rugby boots, 4 CD’s and 2DVD’s were stolen from a Citroen Saxo parked in car park at Ledbury Rugby Club.

27^th February Cash box and cash were stolen from telephone box in Mabels Furlong.

12^th/13^th February: An Ifor Williams trailer was stolen from a local farm, along with 9 drums of aluminium alloy cable. The trailer was later recovered in a field.

A 22-year-old male was arrested and remanded in custody for a public disorder act and causing criminal damage to a motor vehicle.

A 20-year-old Ledbury male was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon. On the same day a 51-year-old Ledbury male was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

A 24-year-old male was arrested in Ledbury for failing to provide a specimen for a breathalyser.

Two males, aged 17 and 22, were arrested and released on Police bail on suspicion of theft.

A 21-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of drug offences. He was released on Police bail pending further enquiries. A second male, aged 24, was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A drug the following day

A male aged 46 was arrested and remanded in custody on suspicion of sexual offences.

A 36-year-old male was arrested after failing a breath test in Ledbury.

A 19-year-old male was arrested in Colwall following a public disorder incident. He was charged and released on bail.

A 54-year-old male was arrested and later released following a drink-drive incident.

A 28-year-old male from Colwall was arrested on suspicion of assault.

A 19-year-old male from Hereford was arrested in Colwall for Breach of Bail.

A 36-year-old male from Woolhope was arrested and bailed on the 27^th February for arson.

A 27 year old male from Woolhope was arrested on the 27^th February and charged for driving whilst disqualified.

Website: www.westmercia.police.uk

Crime Prevention Manager - PC Charles Naylor 08457 444888