THOUSANDS of shoppers will find their Easter spoilt when their credit cards are lost or stolen, CPP Card Protection Plan warned today.

The York-based company expects more than 30,000 to be stolen or lost over the holidays.

It says Easter is one of the blackspots in the calendar because people are relaxed and give little thought to security, and pickpockets take full advantage.

CPP is the largest credit card insurance company in Europe and is the first port of call for more than five million people in the event of them losing their bank cards.

Stephen West, of CPP, said: "Easter is a blackspot when it comes to losing your cards. Many people use the Easter break to go on days out or to go shopping and because it is a holiday they are often relaxed and don't give much thought to security.

"However, pickpockets are all too ready to take advantage of anyone who isn't vigilant and, with credit card fraud being one of the fastest-growing areas of crime, the consequences of being careless with your cards can be great."

According to figures from the Home Office, fraud and forgery are the biggest growth area in illegal activity in England and Wales, having risen by 70,000 offences (29 per cent) in the past year.

Mr West said: "Forewarned is forearmed and there are a number of common sense measures you can take to protect yourself against having your cards stolen.

"For example, never leave your cards loose in a bag or coat, keep your cards in the same order in your wallet so you can see instantly if one is missing and never reveal your PIN numbers to anyone.

"If you do discover you have lost your cards, you should contact your bank or building society immediately to cancel the cards."

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police echoed the advice given by CPP.

She said: "It's a worthwhile security message. At all times be aware of where your credit cards are and be very careful where you spend them.

"There will be pickpockets over the holiday period and while people are enjoying themselves they should also be vigilant."

But she said that in general, Easter was no different to any Bank Holiday in terms of crime.