A SURGE in credit and debit card fraud has prompted Durham Police to launch a massive campaign to halt the criminals.

Detectives have put the increase down to the boom in the number of people holding plastic cards and the growth in so-called 'card not present' crimes where crooks buy goods over the Internet with numbers found on receipts.

In response 200 posters are being sent to shops and garages across County Durham carrying a series of crime prevention measures.

The campaign has been launched to link in with Card Security Week, organised by the Association of Payment Clearing Services.

The crime is estimated to cost the country £189m, forcing the industry to consider additional security measures.

Durham Police's specialist credit card fraud unit, based at force headquarters, is concerned about the number of thefts from vehicles at local beauty spots and tourist attractions.

Thieves who broke into a car at Chester-le-Street's Riverside car park used the owner's credit card to buy goods worth £1,100 from supermarkets and DIY stores across Tyne and Wear within three hours.

Crime prevention officer PC Brian George said: "We would urge people never to leave their plastic cards unattended, especially in a vehicle.

"It takes just seconds for a thief to break in and make off with your card and within minutes use it to buy or order almost anything.

"And when you do buy in person and obtain a sales receipt, don't just discard it.

"When you have finished with the receipt, destroy it, so that no one will be able to make out the details from what's left."

Police are also urging people to check the whereabouts of their cards on a regular basis.

On several occasions cards have been stolen without the owner realising it for several days.