We’ve all done it: whether it’s absent-mindedly leaving the car unlocked all night or accidentally dropping our wallet in the street, everyone has made a mistake that could lead to theft.

Most people are lucky enough not to suffer; the crimes that exploit a lapse in concentration are by their nature opportunistic and statistically speaking you’re likely to get away with it.

But there’s a new crime in town; one that specifically seeks out and exploits the occasional slip in our personal security.

Identity theft takes many forms and is as much a danger in the everyday world of shops, dustbins and petrol stations as in the virtual world of email scams and hackers.

Join us as we explain the risks and offer some practical common-sense tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

We also have step-by-step guides to the most important security measures for your PC.

First, within this feature we have provided a free tool that will defend your PC from spyware ­ a type of malicious software that monitors how a PC is used and sends back data that can be of use to criminals who specialise in ID theft.

The value of personal data
ID theft is an insidious crime and at its worst the consequences can be felt for years.

It involves somebody obtaining information that enables them to pass themselves off as you; they can then order goods and services, commit fraud, apply for a passport, register a vehicle, obtain a credit card… the list goes on.

When the card limit is reached, the car traced for road tax evasion or the bill arrives for a champagne lifestyle, trouble knocks on your door. Afterall, the actions were taken in your name and the authorities have the records to prove it.

Information of interest to identity thieves includes anything with your name, address and any account numbers on. Credit card bills are a favourite but any domestic bills will do.

The theft of personal identification numbers (PINs) for credit cards occurs every day at cash machines around the country; various scams have been uncovered at petrol stations and restaurants where card numbers and the security number on the back of the card are simply written down (this is called ‘skimming’) and used to order expensive items (‘card-not-present’ fraud).