Police raid homes in Sydney’s west over identity theft and fraud offences

Seven people have been arrested in a string of raids across Sydney’s west this morning.

Police have searched nine properties in Guildford, Bankstown and Blacktown as part of a joint Australian Federal Police and NSW Police investigation into identity and crime fraud.

The arrests relate to the theft of personal mail which has been used to steal someone's identity.

Using mail such as phone and power bills, the thieves are able to change personal details with those companies and gain access to bank accounts, where money is then stolen.

A neighbour in a Blacktown street where a raid took place said his own mail had been stolen in the past.

"There were police officers, undercover officers with guns strapped on their side, and I was wondering what it was all about," he said.

"It didn't look too good, looked pretty ugly with kids walking to school. The whole street was like a zoo house."

No charges have been laid and those arrested are expected to face court later today.