Identity burglary crimewave hits homeowners

One in seven burglaries last year was carried out solely in an attempt to steal the homeowner’s personal details a new report has found.

According to a report by criminologists for home insurer LV=, a quarter of all burglary victims in the past year fell prey to ID fraud as a direct result of a break in. The research, which questioned both burglary victims and convicted fraudsters, reveals the scale of the crime and fraudsters’ tricks of the trade.

‘ID burglary’ is estimated to cost the UK over £150 million per year to rectify.

Among all break-ins, close to three quarters (74%) now result in the theft of personal and financial documents such as credit cards, driving licences and bank statements, with 15% of victims being targeted specifically for documents containing their personal details.

With ID fraud expected to double in the next five years, this type of crime is likely to increase in the coming years. According to the report the number of home burglaries involving personal data theft is predicted to rise by 33% year on year if ID fraud continues to increase at its current rate.

The LV= report found that a credit card, coupled with a form of ID such as a bank statement, utility bill or National Insurance number, are prized items on the black market as they make it easier for fraudsters to steal an identity. Individual identity documents can change hands for around £15, whereas fraudsters will typically pay £150 for a ‘bundle’ of personal identity information.

And as one fraudster said: "So many people make my job really easy by sticking all the key documents together in one place. And for all the family too, so you often get three or four identities for the price of one, so to speak."

LV= is urging homeowners to ensure they have adequate home security measures in place and store their important documents securely to minimise the risk of ID fraud.

While ‘identity burglars’ are becoming more common, even thieves after more traditional items such as purses or wallets are likely to take the opportunity to steal personal details as well, because they know they can sell these on. Around 94% of handbags, wallets and purses contain at least one form of personal identity document.

To help assist the growing number of people affected by ID fraud, LV=’s home insurance policy now includes free access to a special identity fraud helpline.

John O’Roarke, managing director of LV= home insurance, said: “As the trend for identity fraud increases, we would strongly urge homeowners to take appropriate measures to limit their chances of being targeted by thieves and fraudsters. 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.

For more information, visit lv.com/insurance/home_insurance/help-lines.