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By silicon.com, 16 October 2006 17:30

We've heard before how UK citizens are running the risk of identity theft by binning sensitive documents such as bank statements or other papers with personally identifying material. And despite repeat warnings it seems it is still going on.

As such, this week has been declared National identity theft prevention week. ID thieves take note.

Today we've heard that a 'shocking' 97 per cent of households throw out rubbish that includes information such as their name and address, leaving us to wonder who are the three per cent who shred absolutely everything?

Looking at these headline findings in a little more detail there are two responses. First – so what if people throw stuff away with their names and addresses on? If somebody is down the end of your driveway going through your bin then chances are finding your name and address (the number on the front door might be a clue) isn't too much of a leap. Or they might just pick up a phone book - though they're still a few long jumps away from identity theft.

And secondly, even if there are papers with more sensitive data on them, somebody going through a bin is still far more likely to be looking for something to eat or otherwise salvage. Identity thieves have very cheap and very easy ways of acquiring thousands of IDs online - why bother going through bins one-by-one? Those committing ID theft with garbage are going to be unsophisticated opportunists.

As such we're not sure what risk the 48 per cent of households who bin enough sensitive data to enable identity theft really do run but it can certainly be said they are showing serious disregard for their ID. If the same sloppy practices occur online, on the phone and when dealing one-to-one with other people then certainly they are increasing their chances of falling prey to identity thieves.

So, despite a vast dose of cynicism where any 'national this that or the other week' is concerned, we have to say it seems people do still need something of a kick up the backside when it comes to identity theft. Sadly we suspect a dedicated week will have far less effect on the public than actually falling victim to ID theft - though we'd never wish that upon anybody.