For you

Crime is low in Lancashire and our motto is 'let's keep it that way'. There are lots of things that we can do together to help keep ourselves and our things safe.

Keeping your identity safe
Identity theft happens when someone gets hold of your personal information or identity without your permission and then uses it to buy things in your name.
Here are some tips to follow to reduce your chances of identity theft;

• Keep your personal information safe and think before you throw anything away with it on - for example, old bills, letters etc.
• Shred any documents that have your personal details on them.
• Always check your bank statements carefully. If you find anything that looks unusual, contact the retailer and your card issuer as soon as possible to report it.
• Make sure you close down any accounts you no longer use because they could be reactivated without you knowing.
• If you are asked for personal information via email, fax or mail, check to see that whoever is asking you for it are genuine.
• Consider signing up for the 'mailing preference service' to avoid unwelcome 'junk' mail. Log onto www.mpsonline.org.uk to find out more.
• Only ever carry a small number of personal documents with you and don't leave documents in your car.
• If an important document (such as your passport) does not arrive in the post, contact the relevant organisation as soon as possible. Report it straight away to the police if you think it has been stolen.
• Be especially careful if you have a shared post area.

Using cash machines

• Don't use a cash machine if it looks like it has been modified or tam-pered with.
• Never let anybody see your PIN and shield the keypad when entering the number.