Burglars focus on identity theft

Mon Oct 26 2009 05:29:44

A report claims one-in-seven burglaries that took place last year was carried out solely to steal the homeowner's personal details.

Identity burglary cost the UK an estimated £150 million in the past year alone, according to home insurers LV.

They claimed the trend is set to rise sharply over the next five years with a quarter of all burglary victims now falling victim to ID fraud as a result of a break-in.

The survey said 'bundles' of personal identity documents such as bank statements or utility bills can fetch £150 on the black market.

John O'Roarke, managing director of LV home insurance, said: "As well as installing home security measures such as burglary alarms and security lights, homeowners should ensure they store personal documents securely and if possible separately to minimise the risk of ID theft."

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