The survey revealed there were half a million victims of identity theft in the past 12 months, which costs the economy an estimated $1 billion.

Local police say that while the crime is not a predominant one in Dubbo, people need to ensure their personal information and statements are shredded before throwing them in the bin.

Senior Constable Phil Tucker from the Dubbo Crime Prevention Unit said identity theft was like any other theft, in that it must be reported to police.

“The risk of identity theft is relatively small, however it is important to recognise the increasing threats to individuals and business,” he said.

“Although the risk is currently small, identity theft remains one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. The rapid development of new technologies, telecommunications and internet access, and the growth in trade and the deregulation of financial markets, have extended the reach of international fraudsters.”

The survey revealed that those most at risk were professional women in their 20s and 30s.

It also showed that 60 per cent of Australians feared having their credit card details stolen more than an act of terrorism.

Despite this, nearly 70 per cent of people throw away bank and credit card statements, social security and tax file number details.

Crime Stoppers national chairman, Peter Price, said the only safe way to ensure personal information was secure from ‘dumpster divers’, was to shred documents.

He also recommended shredding CDs containing personal records, old credit cards and driver’s licences.

“It’s not just hard copy information we should worry about,” he said. “People store a lot of personal information on CDs these days.”

National Identity Fraud Awareness Week starts on October 13 and runs through to October 17.

“Identity theft is like any other theft - it must be reported to the police,” Snr Cons Tucker said.

“Provide all documentation necessary to assist police in investigating the crime.”