The Toronto Police Service on Monday issued a warning to the public about the rising frequency of mail theft and identity theft.

The warning was accompanied by the announcement of the discovery of a “fraud lab” following a lengthy investigation that included mail theft and countless identity thefts at local Money Marts in Toronto.

The items discovered in these types of labs include: financial statements, bank documents and cheques stolen from the mail; fake driver’s licences; fake bank statements; fake government identification; and T4 tax slips, tax returns and medical documents stolen from the mail.

“Identity theft has become the crime of today,” the police announcement stresses, adding that “theft of mail has become an issue.”

Toronto police are calling on the public to be more vigilant with their mail, and to shred everything prior to disposal.

“We put blinds on our windows, locks on our doors but, most importantly, we need to protect our identification. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred the items that expose your name and identifiers,” the police announcement says.