KEETCH WELCOMES NATIONAL IDENTITY FRAUD PREVENTION WEEK

9.22.00pm GMT Mon 8th Oct 2007

Paul Keetch, Liberal Democrat MP for Hereford, has urged constituents not to hand their identity over on a plate to fraudsters and welcomes National ID Fraud Prevention week.

The week aims to raise awareness of the dangers of identity fraud and inform the public and businesses on the steps they could and should be taking to protect themselves from identity fraud.

This awareness drive has been put in place by an expert group of public and private sector partners, and is being supported by Paul Keetch MP, the Metropolitan and City of London police forces, The Identity and Passport Service, CIFAS - The UK's Fraud Prevention Service, Fellowes, The Federation of Small Business, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, Equifax, Experian, Call Credit, Royal Mail, APACS, the BBA, DVLA and HM Revenue and Customs.

Independent bin raiding and Populus polling research commissioned for the week has revealed that 79% of households regularly place sensitive materials in their waste and recycling bins, despite the fact that 80% of the population fear having their identity stolen.

The Member of Parliament for Hereford has welcomed the start of this year's National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, commenting: "I firmly support the work of all the partners who have come together to raise awareness of the very real problem of identify fraud locally and across the UK.

"I join with other MPs and National Identity Fraud Prevention Week in encouraging individuals and business to stop taking chances with their identity, and to start getting identity fraud wise. You wouldn't leave your car or house unlocked - in the same way we all have a responsibility to protect our personal details."