The same Identity and Passport Service (IPS) survey also highlights the fact that 83% of people questioned said they always store their passport in a safe place. Obviously, something’s going wrong somewhere.
During the spring and summer last year, the IPS asked a sample of 1,553 UK passport holders whether they always stored their passport in a really safe place. Of those who responded, the aforementioned 83% said ‘Yes’.
Around 74% of those between the ages of 16 to 24 who responded to the survey questions agreed. This figure rose to 92% among 66-to-75 year-olds questioned by the IPS.
Steps towards document security
However, given the Government’s new figures the IPS is now urging passport holders to take a few simple steps in order to keep their documents safe when abroad and in the UK…
What happens when a passport is stolen?
When a person reports their passport lost or stolen, the IPS logs the details and cancels it on its system. It then notifies immigration and law enforcement agencies around the world to try and minimise the risk of that passport being misused.
Between April last year and March 2010, the IPS replaced more than 279,000 passports that were lost or stolen in the UK or abroad. Of that total, more than 60,000 passports were lost or stolen abroad.
Since 2002, a total of 2.2 million passports have been replaced by the IPS.
All passport losses or thefts abroad should be reported to the local police in the relevant country as soon as possible. You should report the theft or loss to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Embassy, Consulate or High Commission of the country you are in.
Attractive documents for organised criminals
Sarah Rapson, chief executive at the IPS, commented: “It’s vital that people take care of their passports both at home and abroad. Passports are increasingly attractive documents to organised criminals. It’s a known fact that hijacking someone else’s identity can help facilitate a wide range of very serious crimes.
At present, an adult passport costs GB pound 77.50 for standard service and GB pound 112.50 for the one week fast-track service. A child passport costs GB pound 49 for standard service and GB pound 96.50 for the one week fast track. The premium one day service is not available for replacement passports.
You can obtain details of your local FCO office wherever you are by calling (0)20 7008 1500 (0870 606 0290 within the UK) or by visiting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (see the dedicated web link on the right hand panel of this page)
For further information on what to do if your passport has been lost or stolen in the UK, visit the Identity and Passport Service website (again, a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page) or call the advice line on 0300 222 0000
Home Office: UK and Kuwait sign new security deal
Meanwhile, in other Government news just issued it has emerged the UK has signed an agreement with Kuwait that will see the two countries working closely together on issues of international security.
The document – a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ – will see co-operation in a range of areas, including human trafficking, drug smuggling and cyber crime.
Home Office security minister Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones said: “I’m pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding. It further strengthens the close relations which the UK enjoys with Kuwait.”
The Memorandum will ensure close co-operation between the two countries in vitally important areas such as counter-terrorism and international organised crime.
“Britain is eager to share skills and technological expertise with her friends in the Gulf,” added the Baroness, “and I very much look forward to a close partnership in a common endeavour with the Government of Kuwait.”
British experts will now work with Kuwait to advise the country on improving and developing its security systems. As well as building stronger relations between the two nations, it’s strongly suspected that the Memorandum of Understanding will open up new opportunities for UK firms in Kuwait.
