MP Shahid Malik is urging people in Dewsbury, Mirfield and Heckmondwike to be on their guard from the growing danger of identity fraud.

He spoke out as figures showed fraud is estimated to cost the country £1.7bn every year.

A report from the Home Office found that identity fraud is costing every person £35 per year, more than £2.5m for the Dewsbury constituency alone.

The estimated annual cost is greater than that of the planned national identity card scheme.

Mr Malik, MP for Dewsbury, discussed the issue with the Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

He said: "There's growing evidence that organised criminals are increasingly turning to identity theft. Everyone needs to be aware of the risks.

"Simple things such as not throwing bank statements or bills out with the rubbish, taking extra caution when giving details or personal information over the phone, internet or in a shop, and making sure other people cannot hear or see your personal information can all help to reduce the risks."

In 2003 the Government announced it would create a new offence of being in possession or control of false identity documents, including genuine documents that have been improperly obtained or were issued to another person, without reasonable cause.

It covers both UK and foreign documents and will give the police the assistance needed to combat ID fraud using it to disrupt the activities of criminals in the early stages of their crimes.

Anyone concerned by the risk of ID fraud can visit www. identitytheft.org.uk for advice and more information on fraud prevention.