Last year more than 20,000 British passports were reported lost or stolen, with anecdotal evidence suggesting that many British nationals fell foul of thieves and pickpockets.To make people more aware of the risk to their passports and other valuables, the UK's FCO has teamed up with stealth crime expert and 'Man of Steal' James Freedman to create a series of short video clips to demonstrate the techniques used by thieves to pilfer passports, and to offer advice on how to avoid becoming a target.Freedman said: "Pickpockets and thieves constantly evolve their techniques and tactics. These videos show just a handful of ways that a pickpocket might attempt to steal from you, so remember some basic advice to stay safe. If you don't need to take your passport with you, leave it in your hotel safe instead. Only carry what you need and keep valuables in a secure pocket. If you have a bag or case, never let it out of your sight. Be more alert in crowds and wary of anyone getting too close. Finally, try not to advertise the location of prized possessions by patting your pockets or bags. That's why you'll often find pickpockets near the "Beware Pickpockets" sign!"The FCO's top tips for keeping your passport safe:be aware of your surroundings and be wary of strangers who take an unusual amount of interest in you;a damaged passport cannot be used for travel, so value it and keep it safe;lock your passport in a safe if you have access to one, or if you are required to keep it with you, ensure its location is not visible;make two photocopies of your passport – leave one with friends or family and take the second with you, or store an electronic copy securely; where permitted, use your photocopy as alternative ID, for example when going out at night;for certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go;ensure you fill in the emergency details / next of kin page before you go.
Recent Articles
- Birth registration e-service reduces admin from months to days
- IDEMIA secure transactions enables banks to prepare cards for the quantum era with industry-first certification
- 4 age check methods for the UK’s under-16 social media ban
- Kempegowda International Airport launches Digi Yatra trials for international departures
- HKIA the first airport to achieve IATA One ID certification
Recent Video
- Designing safe, functioning DPI that establishes clear boundaries
- Securing identity documents around the world, with Troy Group’s Mark Bond and Jean Cavalier
- EY treats IAM as a holistic business capability
- Arkion wins most innovative start-up!
- TSA: Integrating generative and predictive AI into checkpoint screening
