Menu
29/07/2008
Passport Thefts Slammed
While officials are trying to play down the significance of the theft, the loss of 3,000 blank passports and visas worth in a robbery yesterday is expected to have serious security repercussions.
Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for eyewitnesses to come forward after two unarmed thieves assaulted a security officer before driving off in the van in Oldham on 28 July.
They said that the documents, worth around £2.5 million, were targeted when the driver stopped off to buy a newspaper at a newsagent's in Long Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Police confirmed the offender threatened the deliveryman waiting in the van and forced him to lower his head before assaulting him.
So far, while playing down the significance of the theft, the Foreign Office has admitted at the very least, a serious breach of security over the loss of the documents.
While the passport service said the stolen documents could not be used by thieves because of their hi-tech embedded chip security features, fraud experts say they can still be used as a form of identification and even for travel in countries where the chip technology is not used.
Keith Vaz, a Labour MP and the Chairman of the influential Commons Home Affairs Committee, wants an inquiry into UK passport security.
"I find it extraordinary that the theft of so many passports was even possible," Mr Vaz said.
"This Government has put the eradication of illegal immigration at the top of the political agenda. It is therefore completely unacceptable that such sensitive documents are transported in a way that puts them at risk of theft."
(BMcC)
Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for eyewitnesses to come forward after two unarmed thieves assaulted a security officer before driving off in the van in Oldham on 28 July.
They said that the documents, worth around £2.5 million, were targeted when the driver stopped off to buy a newspaper at a newsagent's in Long Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Police confirmed the offender threatened the deliveryman waiting in the van and forced him to lower his head before assaulting him.
So far, while playing down the significance of the theft, the Foreign Office has admitted at the very least, a serious breach of security over the loss of the documents.
While the passport service said the stolen documents could not be used by thieves because of their hi-tech embedded chip security features, fraud experts say they can still be used as a form of identification and even for travel in countries where the chip technology is not used.
Keith Vaz, a Labour MP and the Chairman of the influential Commons Home Affairs Committee, wants an inquiry into UK passport security.
"I find it extraordinary that the theft of so many passports was even possible," Mr Vaz said.
"This Government has put the eradication of illegal immigration at the top of the political agenda. It is therefore completely unacceptable that such sensitive documents are transported in a way that puts them at risk of theft."
(BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2010
New Passport Design Hits Streets
The first new look UK passport has been issued today to five-year-old Elliot Coutts Miller. Elliot, who attends Shortwood Infant School, Staines in Surrey, received his passport at the London passport office based in Globe House in Victoria.
New Passport Design Hits Streets
The first new look UK passport has been issued today to five-year-old Elliot Coutts Miller. Elliot, who attends Shortwood Infant School, Staines in Surrey, received his passport at the London passport office based in Globe House in Victoria.
02 April 2003
Regulatory body for security guards and bouncers launched
In a shake up of the private security industry announced today bouncers and wheel clampers will have to be licensed and regulated by the new Security Industry Authority (SIA). The measures are designed to protect the public from rogue operators and create higher standards of recruitment and training for private security operatives and managers.
Regulatory body for security guards and bouncers launched
In a shake up of the private security industry announced today bouncers and wheel clampers will have to be licensed and regulated by the new Security Industry Authority (SIA). The measures are designed to protect the public from rogue operators and create higher standards of recruitment and training for private security operatives and managers.
12 June 2009
Contract Awarded For Next Generation Of Passports
The next generation of British passports will be delivered under a new £400 million contract announced yesterday. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has announced De La Rue has won the contract to produce the new British passport book.
Contract Awarded For Next Generation Of Passports
The next generation of British passports will be delivered under a new £400 million contract announced yesterday. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has announced De La Rue has won the contract to produce the new British passport book.
14 October 2015
Shopping Basket Thefts Rise After Carrier Bag Levy
A Tesco store in Oldham has fitted its shopping baskets with security tags after a sudden rise in thefts following the introduction of the carrier bag charge. It is understood that a third of the stores baskets were stolen in the week since the new charge was brought in on 04 October, according to a report by the BBC.
Shopping Basket Thefts Rise After Carrier Bag Levy
A Tesco store in Oldham has fitted its shopping baskets with security tags after a sudden rise in thefts following the introduction of the carrier bag charge. It is understood that a third of the stores baskets were stolen in the week since the new charge was brought in on 04 October, according to a report by the BBC.
09 March 2006
Money stolen in Securitas van raid
Police have launched an investigation after a Securitas van was robbed by a gang in Cheshire last night. The robbery happened in the Woolston area of Warrington on Wednesday night around 8:15pm. A Securitas security van, on route to a delivery, had been travelling behind a Volvo flatbed truck.
Money stolen in Securitas van raid
Police have launched an investigation after a Securitas van was robbed by a gang in Cheshire last night. The robbery happened in the Woolston area of Warrington on Wednesday night around 8:15pm. A Securitas security van, on route to a delivery, had been travelling behind a Volvo flatbed truck.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
