CHORLEY fraudsters are being targeted by the Government's latest campaign in the war against benefit cheats.

The £2m 'Targeting Fraud' campaign is being piloted in the North West and aims to challenge those who tolerate fraud and those who think they can get away with it.

The level of fraud in the benefits system is estimated at between £2 and £5 billion a year and the Government wants to get the message across that the cheats are stealing money from us all.

Social Security Secretary, Alistair Darling, launching the campaign, said: "People who work and claim benefits aren't loveable rogues. What they are doing is despicable.

"Benefit fraud costs every household in this country more than £80 a year. People would be rightly indignant if £80 was stolen from their wallets.

"Stealing from the benefits system is no different. People who think turning a blind eye to benefit fraud is OK, need to think again."

The campaign will run in the region for six months, consisting of television and radio commercials and newspaper advertisements.

More than 10,000 people were prosecuted by the DSS last year alone, and people are reported and caught everyday.

The Government is determined there should be zero tolerance of benefit fraud and is hoping this new campaign will change public attitudes towards the problem.

The public can report suspicions of fraud anonymously to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854440.