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 06 September 2008 03:43 BST

MEPs: Identity theft requires more attention

Tuesday, 04 Jul 2006 08:23
MEPs: Identity theft requires more attention
European governments are not doing enough to fight rising levels of identity theft, an influential group of MEPs have claimed.

Publishing a report examining the measures in place to combat identity fraud throughout the EU, a cross-party group of MEPs is set to lay out a series of criticisms of existing provisions in a press conference later today.

Chief among the criticisms highlighted is a need to enhance coordination between police forces, internally, within different EU states, and between member states and those outside the EU.

It also suggests that greater public awareness of the issues would help prevent further growth of the identity theft epidemic sweeping across Europe.

"These are reasons enough to be on our guard," warned Professor Martin Gill of the University of Leicester, the report's author.

"The evidence from this study suggests some encouraging signs but highlights the need for better co-ordination and awareness-raising among agencies and the people of Europe."

Unequal recording of the extent of identity theft across Europe highlights the importance of encouraging united action among Europe agencies, the report notes, before warning that there is "no room for complacency" even among those countries who prioritise fighting identity theft lower than others.

"This report makes it clear that the UK government have taken steps to combat this growing threat but more could and should be done," said British MEP, Chris Heaton-Harris.

"I strongly urge the UK government to raise awareness amongst consumers and businesses of the steps that they can take to protect themselves."

One in four people in the UK are affected by identity theft.End of story


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