Many residents will have received the periodic update form to check your electoral roll details.  In the right-hand column against each person, you will see whether that person's details are available on the Open Register. 

The Open Register does not affect your right to vote, but if your entry says YES then your details can be bought by anyone including direct marketing companies.  Your full details are also likely to appear on telephone lookup websites in the fullness of time, which makes that an easy source of householder information for those wishing to perform identity theft. Finally, a recent incident in a nearby Borough continues to highlight the risks of using an externally mounted letterbox.  If you have one of these then do make sure that it is robust and that you empty it as soon as possible after a postal delivery, to avoid mail theft - you can also cover it with CCTV to get a decent image of the thief if anything is taken.  A box mounted on a gate with removal of post only from the rear is an ideal compromise.

How to opt out of the open register. This is the version of the register that's available to anyone who wants to buy a copy.

It is entirely your choice, but if your entry says YES and you would like it to be removed, then you should contact:

Electoral & Registration Services

Harrow Council

Civic Centre

Station Road

Harrow

HA1 2XQ