The fastest growing UK crime is identity fraud

London has been revealed as the centre of the latest crime trend to hit the UK, identity fraud, with Birmingham a close second.

The news comes at the start of National Identity Fraud Prevention Week where a study revealed the growing scale of UK-based identity theft which continues at an alarming rate.

Close to 60,000 cases of impersonation related to criminal activity have been reported in the 9 months to date of this year, a huge increase of around 35% from the same period last year. London’s south east districts topped the list of crimes ahead of second city Birmingham.

Authorities’ claim that the potential damage from identity theft is horrific with businesses and individuals both paying a substantial price. The crime is held to be far more dangerous than the traditional crimes of mugging and burglary as it threatens the welfare of individuals and companies beyond a mere single act.

The survey by British fraud prevention organisation CIFAS also revealed that over 80% of Britons are worried about being victimised by identity fraud. In spite of the growing fears it appears that the public is doing little in the way of protecting themselves. The study showed that one fifth of the UK accesses their bank account by typing in details at work or in public internet cafes. Nearly 80% of businesses confirmed that they do not have a secure service for the destruction of sensitive legal documents.

Launched this week, The National Identity Fraud Prevention Week is a UK wide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the seriousness of the crime. The initiative has been organised by the Metropolitan Police in conjunction with a range of partners including the National Fraud Strategic Authority, Experian, Equifax, the Home Office, the Chamber of Commerce, Royal Mail and the Federation of Small Businesses.