A website has been set up by the government offering advice on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Amongst other things the website advises new homeowners to ask the Royal Mail to redirect any mail from your old address to your new one for at least a year.

It also advises obtaining and checking a copy of your personal credit file 2-3 months after you have moved house.

If you move house, tell your bank, card issuer and all other organisations that you deal with immediately, the website advises.

More than 100,000 people a year have personal information taken from them without their knowledge. If you become a victim of identity theft, it could be hard for you to obtain financial services in the future.

Criminals commit identity theft by stealing your personal information. This is often done by taking documents from your rubbish or by making contact with you and pretending to be from a legitimate organisation.

Be extra careful if you live in a property where other people could have access to your mail.

If you suspect your mail is being stolen, contact the Royal Mail Customer Enquiry Line: 08457 740 740. Check whether a mail redirection order has been made in your name without your consent.

The website www.identity-theft.org.uk also gives other advice such as where to get a copy of your personal credit file, tips on passwords and general safe procedures to reduce your risk.

Other tips:

• Don't throw away entire bills, receipts, card slips, bank statements or even junk mail in your name. Destroy unwanted documents, if possible by using a shredder.
• Keep your personal documents in a safe place, preferably in a lockable drawer or cabinet at home.
• Consider storing valuable financial documents such as share certificates with your bank.
• When giving your card details or personal information over the phone, Internet or in a shop, make sure other people cannot hear or see your personal information.
• Never carry documents or plastic cards unnecessarily. When not in use keep them in a safe place.
• Don't use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites.
• Check statements as soon as they arrive. If any unfamiliar transactions are listed, contact the company concerned immediately.
• Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.