Consumers hoping to add a conservatory or extension to their property should be wary of new research which reveals how criminals are adopting homeowner identities after accessing information published on planning applications.

Last year there were 137,000 cases of identity fraud in the UK, up from just 20,000 in 1999 and in the first quarter of 2006, the figures rose by another 17 per cent, according to UK fraud prevention service, CIFAS.

Research by the service revealed that local planning authorities have been routinely publishing sufficient personal details about planning permission applicants – including names, addresses, telephone numbers and signatures – giving criminals all they need in order to commit ID theft.

"In combination with the other details, this [the publication of signatures] is Christmas come early for identity fraudsters" said CIFAS' chief executive, Peter Hurst.

The situation is particularly true for householder applications because larger schemes tend to publish details of an agent rather than an individual.

Having drawn this to the attention of Local Authority Associations and Government, CIFAS has received assurances that the problem is to be addressed.

"Local authorities have a role to play in combating this crime by striking the right balance between publishing details as part of public consultation processes and ensuring the security of the personal details entrusted to them," Mr Hurst added.