KENT Police are again spotlighting the dangers of identity theft after a team of fraudsters used stolen credit card numbers to spend more than £200,000.

The case coincides with National Identity Fraud Prevention Week which aims to raise public awareness of the threat of identity theft.

Kent Police’s cheque and credit card Unit uncovered an Aladdin’s cave of stolen property, along with lists of credit card numbers used to buy the goods, at two addresses in Gravesend following a number of arrests and property searches.

Jukeboxes, model train sets and sporting event tickets were purchased over the telephone from retailers throughout the country. The goods were then delivered to numerous addresses across the South East including Snodland and Gravesend.

Most of the goods were then sold on via an internet auction site. The cardholders affected by the gang were predominantly centred around Great Bookham in Surrey.

Three women who played a part in the scam have all pleaded guilty to money laundering charges.

Donna Hall, 36, from Thomson Close, Snodland, near Rochester, Angela Collins, 36, of Welland Street, Woolwich, and Pamela Nixon, 28, of Bowling Green Row, Plumstead, are all due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on October 30.

A fourth defendant was sentenced to 60 hours community service at Maidstone Magistrates' Court earlier this year.

Det Sgt David West, of Kent Police’s Serious Economic Crime Unit, said: "This case serves as a graphic illustration of how identity theft is providing opportunities for criminals to steal millions of pounds in the UK alone. As well as defrauding retailers, the use of personal information can have a profound effect on the individuals concerned.

"Personal information, such as your name, address or bank account details will often be worth a lot more to a Criminal than your household valuables."

Research just released reveals that identity theft is prevalent in the UK with around a quarter of the population having experienced it directly or who know of someone who has been a victim. ID fraud can take many forms, from going through someone’s dustbin for discarded personal information to credit card skimming. Protecting yourself from ID fraud, however, is relatively simple. This includes shredding personal documents and keeping a regular tab on bank statements for unusual transactions.

As part of the National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, Kent Police had a stand at the Bluewater Shopping Centre. Greenhithe, between 10am and 4pm on Monday offering practical advice on how to avoid being a victim of identity theft.

Events will also be held at the following locations:

Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, Tuesday, October 17 (10am to 3pm)

Tunbridge Wells Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Wednesday, October 18 (10am to 3pm)

Ashford County Square Shopping Centre, Thursday, October 19 (10am to 3pm)