Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
28 April 2011 12:38
A report by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) found that nearly 300,000 UK passports need to be replaced every year
Some of the more unusual reasons given by Britons who have lost their passports include an armed robbery in Brazil, a drunk boyfriend and donations to the homeless, officials have revealed.
A report by the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) found that more than 10,000 passports a year are thrown out with the rubbish, while a further 10,000 are lost during nights out in bars or clubs.
It said that nearly 300,000 UK passports need to be replaced every year, with 162,500 going to men and 112,000 to women, and each costing at least £77.50.
A study of the reasons given by Britons for the loss of their passport revealed one was taken when a taxi was attacked by a gunman while on its way to the airport in Brazil - highlighting the need for an appropriate level of travel insurance, including adequate cover for theft.
Others British passports have fallen out of bags while snowboarding, been left in the pocket of a coat donated to the homeless, or gone up in flames after being left in old clothes that have been set on fire.
One passport was destroyed by a drunk boyfriend, "now ex", the officials said, while another was put in the bin by an infant daughter.
Sarah Rapson, chief executive, IPS, said: "Your passport is not only increasingly attractive to fraudsters, but it will cost you at least £77.50 to replace, so it's really important that you keep it safe both when you are at home and when you're abroad.
"Remember to put your passport away after use. Don't leave it in a trouser or shirt pocket in the laundry pile."
19 January 2019
Every three seconds, someone in the UK has an asthma attack - new figures show.
[more...]
18 January 2019
A plant-based diet is needed to protect future generations and safeguard the wellbeing of the planet, according to experts.
17 January 2019
Campaigners are protesting outside the High Court in London as the legal challenge against Heathrow Airport's controversial expansion ramps up.
16 January 2019
A new way to predict a woman's risk of breast cancer has been unveiled by scientists - and it's the most comprehensive method yet.
15 January 2019
NHS commissioners could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for every patient left waiting more than a year for vital care, new proposals suggest.
12 January 2019
All UK airports should buy anti-drone technology and not rely on the Royal Air Force to help out, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.
10 January 2019
The military was brought in on Tuesday night after police officers saw a drone operating at Heathrow Airport, forcing departures to be suspended for an hour.
11 January 2019
A so-called "drug sponge" that mops up leftover drugs from cancer treatment could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, new research has claimed.
09 January 2019
A hormone released during exercise could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
08 January 2019
Ryanair has been labelled the worst airline operating in the UK for the sixth year running in a leading consumer group survey.
05 January 2019
Anti-drone technology will be deployed at the UK's two busiest airports in response to the disruption caused before Christmas.
04 January 2019
A new cancer-detecting breathalyser test is being trialled in the UK - in a move that could revolutionise the way the disease is diagnosed.