PASSPORT WARNING FOR WINTER WANDERERS - OVER 290,000 UK PASSPORTS LOST OR STOLEN EACH YEAR

As the busy winter booking period for holiday makers begins, the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) is reminding holidaymakers to keep their passports safe both at home and when on holiday.

In 2006, 290,996 British passports were reported lost or stolen. While many people safeguard their wallet and personal valuables abroad, their passport is not always such a priority. Last year IPS research showed that people took greater care of their mobile phones and iPods despite passports being worth thousands of pounds to criminals and identity fraudsters. Other research also found that only seven per cent of people keep their passports in a safe place when at home and 61 per cent fail to fill in the emergency contacts section at the back of the passport.

Executive Director for Service Delivery Bernard Herdan said:

"It is vital that people take better care of their passports, both at home and abroad.