Action urged to tackle identity fraud

Tuesday, 16 August 2005 12:00 AM

Ministers are being urged to set out a clear strategy for sharing data between agencies and the private sector to tackle the growing problem of identity theft.

A new report from leading criminologist Martin Gill suggests the UK should adopt a number of American-style measures to combat Britain's fastest crime, which currently costs Britons about £1.3 billion a year.

Although identity theft is not recognised as a crime category at the moment, this will be addressed by the Fraud Bill currently going through parliament.

It sets out provisions for a general offence of fraud, which can be committed by false representation, by failing to disclose information or by abuse of position, and creating new offences of obtaining services dishonestly and aiding fraud.

However, Professor Gill believes more effort must be made to educate police forces about the problem and how to tackle it. He suggests they publish a strategy document outlining how to tackle the problem with the help of businesses, community groups and individuals.

A common method of recording details of identity theft would also make it easier to share information with the financial sector, he says, while clearer definitions of identity theft and identity fraud would help combat the problem.

"The consequences for ID theft victims can be very severe and it is clear that in the UK things are not being made difficult enough for offenders," Professor Gill said.

"What have emerged are some suggestions for debate that may guide the development of better practice."

Dan Cobley of Capital One, which commissioned today's report, said it provided "ample food for thought" on how the problem could be tackled in Britain, adding: "The fact is that unless we look at new ways of dealing with the problem it may continue to grow."

Detective chief inspector Oliver Shaw of the City of London police economic crime department welcomed the report, highlighting in particular the importance of defining identity theft properly if the scale of the problem is to be correctly assessed.

"Martin's work also strengthens the need for a strategic review of UK law and I welcome his contribution to the debate around targeted legislation," he said.

"His findings are particularly relevant following publication of the government's proposed Fraud Bill which, if passed, will greatly assist in the fight against this corrosive and increasingly widespread problem."

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