HOUSEHOLDERS across Hartlepool are being advised to shred personal documents to avoid becoming victims of fraud.

There is growing concern over the number of people getting rid of mail containing sensitive information such as names and addresses, bank account details and credit or debit card numbers in their wheeled bins.

It is feared that the rubbish could provide rich pickings for would-be fraudsters, providing the details they need to set up bogus accounts and claim credit.

Helen Beaman, Hartlepool Borough Council's environment co-ordinator, said; "Letters containing personal information should first be ripped up into pieces so small it is impossible to retrieve sensitive information from them."

Further information and advice is available by contacting Helen on (01429) 523358.