A stolen passport can lead to serious identity theft and criminal activities
London: It’s a real bummer when you think about how many passports go missing or get stolen. People really try to keep them safe, but sometimes things just happen.
Criminals are always on the hunt for passports, especially the powerful ones from places like the UK, EU, and the US. They know how valuable these documents can be.
So, what can someone do with a stolen passport? Well, it’s pretty scary, which is why you need to keep yours close.
Did you know that around 400,000 UK passports are reported lost or stolen every year? That’s a lot! Many of these cases come from pickpockets.
If your passport gets stolen, the first thing you should do is report it to the police. If you’re abroad, make sure to get a written report from local authorities too. You’ll need that when you go to the British Embassy for a new passport.
Once you report it, the HM Passport Office will cancel it and share the info with the National Crime Agency. This helps keep track of stolen passports and stops criminals from using them to sneak into the UK.
Interpol has pointed out that stolen passports are like gold for criminals and terrorists. They can use them to travel without getting caught.
These documents can help fugitives escape justice, let terrorists move between conflict zones, and even aid in human trafficking. Plus, the personal info on passports can be used for identity theft, which is a huge headache.
