Identity theft has become a real issue in recent years, and not just online when you send information over the Internet via your computer. Indeed it stretches more widely, also, than simply protecting your home, the personal possessions you keep there, and of course, your wallet.

Think of your mailbox and your mail. How much personal information comes into your mailbox every day? Do you worry about it? Do you gather your mail straight away from your mailbox? How long does it sit there?

How much goes missing without you even knowing?

Identity theft is on the increase, and part of the reason is that thieves have easy access to mailboxes.

Mailboxes come in different shapes, sizes and makes, made of wood, metal, attached to your front wall, your gateposts or at the front of your property. One thing most of them have in common though is their lack of security. As they can be opened to put mail in, they can equally well be opened by thieves to take mail out.

Think of the mail you receive. How much of it would allow a thief to find out an awful lot of personal information about you? Supposedly private information arrives through the post on utility bills, credit card statements, loan statements, banks statements and other documents. It’s put in your mailbox, left there – and can be taken in an instant.

Information on those documents says who you are, your account numbers, your spending habits, your savings. The result could be a whole lot of nuisance and aggravation, wasted time and charges – for you.

How can you fight back?

• Get a slot in your door rather than an external mailbox
• Get a slot in your mailbox, with your own key to retrieve the mail
• Use a post office box instead
• If you’re away for a length of time, have your mail held

Identity theft is not just an online problem. It can happen via your post. Every bit of mail contains some information about you – even if it’s just your name and address. Use care, stop people accessing it, and you’re one step closer to safety from identity theft.

Gus Taperman holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and completed his master's in Business Administration . He is working as writer and financial consultant to find a Personal loans, Debt consolidation, home equity loans at cheap rates visit www.taperman.com