CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Some New Hampshire stores are expecting a hefty boost in cigarette sales when Maine’s tax doubles Monday.

Maine’s tax will go from $1 per pack to $2, giving Maine one of the nation’s highest cigarette taxes.

David Begun, a cashier at Samuel’s convenience store in Portsmouth, said he’s expecting to get a lot more customers. He said Samuel’s gets a lot of customers from Maine already.

New Hampshire currently charges 80 cents per pack.

I.D. theft on rise in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – The number of identity theft victims in New Hampshire is rising.

The Federal Trade Commission says 349 people reported being victimized in 2002. The number jumped to 543 last year – a 50 percent increase.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Connie Stratton said citizens should get a copy of their credit report each year to review for errors. She said using a shredder for personal financial mail and other documents also is a good idea. She said people also should be cautious about giving out their Social Security number.