Christmas credit card warning

Police are urging people to be vigilant about debit and credit card protection to avoid becoming victims of fraud-related offences over Christmas.

According to the major fraud squad, there is traditionally an increase in reports of stolen credit and debit cards from homes, vehicles and letter boxes during the Christmas and New Year period.

The stolen cards are then used to draw down funds or for online and telephone purchases.

Police are advising people to ensure their letterboxes are secure, not leave wallets lying around, check card expiry dates, be careful when using automatic teller machines and protect their identity.