Police alert after 'suspicious incidents' in Clowne

The warning comes after bank accounts were set up for two customers without their knowledge.

The residents both lived in the Barlborough Road area of Clowne and it is believed that someone may have used personal details taken from documents. No money was stolen.

Officers are reminding people to take steps to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by protecting their documents and post. Tips include:

- Don't throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first

- Don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at

- Know the dates you are due to receive bills and bank statements and, where possible, receive these documents electronically. If you are expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn’t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company

- If you move house, ask Royal Mail to redirect your post for at least a year

- Make sure your letterbox, or the place where your mail is left for you, is secure and cannot be accessed by anyone else. Report any damage to your landlord or letting agent immediately

- Don't leave mail uncollected for long periods of time - pick it up as regularly as possible

- If you are changing your address, make sure you tell your bank, card issuer and other important organisations you deal with immediately

- If you are not going to be able to pick up your mail for a few days, ensure that someone trustworthy can collect it instead or consider using a mail collection service.

- If you suspect your mail has been stolen, contact the sender and Royal Mail immediately

PC Dan Appleby, of the Clowne Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Fortunately security procedures flagged up this unusual activity, which was able to prevent any money from being stolen, but these incidents show just how important it is to take care with documents which have your personal details on.

"As well as following advice on how to keep your information secure, please be alert and report any suspicious activity to your local police."