More than 2,000 government devices lost or stolen last year

24/11/2023 | Evening standard

Over the past 12 months, 2,032 Government devices have been lost or stolen, according to the latest figures. The missing and stolen technology includes 1,024 phones, 889 laptops and 119 external hard drives or memory sticks, prompting calls for an inquiry.

The Ministry of Defence misplaced the most number of devices, with 383 being either lost or stolen. The Ministry of Justice came in second, with 225 laptops and 51 mobile phones lost or stolen. The cost of replacing the lost devices amounted to at least £944,092, although some departments have refused to give a figure due to the 'disproportionate cost' of doing so. Justice Minister Mike Freer assured us that the department takes all losses and thefts seriously and has processes to disable the device immediately when it is reported missing or stolen.

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iPhone, Smartphone, Lost

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