IDENTITY theft soared by 70% last year and research out today shows how.

Internet safety firm SafeBoot found shocking apathy to security from both business and individuals, with almost 25% of respondents having lost their laptop or had it stolen at least once.

More than 25% of respondents didn't see the point in shredding documents - despite Home Office calculations showing identity theft has cost the economy £1.62billion during the past three years.