Identity Theft Victims Spend Close $354 and Up to 12 Hours to Cl - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Police have investigated several identity theft cases in Santa Cruz. Officers said in 2011 around 11.6 million adults nationwide were victims of identity theft. 

In most cases police said thieves use the victim's information to open new accounts or get a car or home loan. Investigators said it cost the average identity theft victim $354 and 12 hours to resolve the issue.

Officers said one of the reasons it takes to long to get the issue resolved is because it takes a while for banks to release the victim's information to police because they usually need written consent from the victim or a court order. Police said when they investigate they need all of the victim's accounts to go through which also takes a lot of time.

For more information and tips on how to avoid identity theft, click here.