NORWICH – Law enforcement and business are coming together to help fight-off a costly and very popular crime: identity theft.

The Sidney Federal Credit Union, Commerce Chenango and the Sheriff’s Office came together to sponsor a class last week teaching people the precautions they can take to protect their identities.

Sheriff Thomas Loughren hosted the seminar, offering statistics and preventative measures the average layman can take.

“I hate to say it folks, but if you really wanted to focus on someone, you could get their identity,” said Loughren.

Identity theft is fast becoming one of the most popular crimes committed; nearly one in every 50 people falls victim every year, said the Sheriff. According to national statistics, one in every five people will become a victim of identity theft or will know someone who has been.