Bizarre journeys of lost British passports
British passports have been stolen by gunmen in Brazil, fallen out of bags on snow-covered mountains and donated to the homeless, officials revealed.
The more unusual reasons given by people who lose their passports came as figures showed that more than 10,000 a year are thrown out with the rubbish and another 10,000 are lost during nights out.
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said almost 300,000 UK passports need to be replaced each year, 162,500 going to men and 112,000 to women – each costing at least £77.50.
IPS chief executive Sarah Rapson said: “Put your passport away after use.
“Don’t leave it in a trouser or shirt pocket in the laundry pile.”