The Passport Office and Action Fraud are urging people to report lost and stolen passports to curb commit identity crime and illegal travel across borders.
Almost 50 million people hold a UK passport, of which just under 400,000 are reported lost or stolen each year.
This represents less than 1% of all passports in circulation, yet despite the risks associated with lost or stolen passports, people are waiting on average 73 days before making a report.
Once a passport is reported as lost or stolen, HM Passport Office cancels it, and shares the information within 24 hours with the National Crime Agency to record the loss or theft on Interpol’s Stolen and Lost Travel Document database.
By sharing the details of lost or stolen passports, law enforcement agencies including border and immigration control officers are able to keep ahead of the criminals who attempt to get a UK passport illegally.
This also ensures action can be taken against anyone identified as having obtained a passport by fraudulent means.
Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said: "When you lose your bank card, the first thing you do is contact your bank and have it cancelled, yet people don’t treat lost or stolen passports with the same urgency.
"But not reporting a lost or stolen passport can have severe consequences, such as people using your identity or attempting to use your documents to try to enter the country illegally.
"That is why it is absolutely vital you report your lost or stolen passport immediately: to help law enforcement agencies prevent people from entering the UK illegally, and to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity crime."
Lost and stolen passport can be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk .
