Lost and Stolen Weapons Raise Alarm at UK Ministry of Defence

Written by Kathrine Frich

Dec.29 - 2024 10:52 AM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard stated that firearm security is taken seriously.

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The issue of lost and stolen government property often raises serious concerns about national security.

When it involves sensitive items like weapons and electronic devices, the stakes become even higher.

Recent revelations about the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlight just how critical such lapses can be, according to Digi24.

Over the past two years, the MoD reported the loss or theft of numerous items, including firearms, laptops, and storage devices.

Demands Investigations

Among the weapons that went missing were decommissioned pieces like a World War I machine gun, a World War II firearm, and a stolen Glock 19 pistol.

While some of these items were eventually recovered, such incidents have sparked demands for an investigation into potential security lapses.

Additionally, more than 700 devices, including computers, phones, and USB drives, were either lost or stolen during the same period.

In 2024 alone, the ministry reported 447 missing devices — a significant increase from the 297 lost in 2023.

This includes 125 USB drives in 2024, marking a 500% rise from the previous year.

The Liberal Democrats, a political party in the UK, have been vocal in their criticism, describing the losses as indicative of a casual attitude toward national security.

Party spokesperson Helen Maguire likened the government’s handling of sensitive materials to that of a fictional supervillain, calling for an urgent inquiry.

Maguire emphasized the potential for sensitive information to fall into the wrong hands.

In response, the MoD has reiterated its commitment to security, citing stringent policies and investigations into all losses.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard stated that firearm security is taken seriously, with comprehensive measures in place to discourage and prevent such incidents.

The ministry attributed the increase in lost devices to heightened reporting standards and pledged to remind personnel about their responsibilities for safeguarding assets.

However, concerns remain, particularly about the implications for both national security and public trust in one of the UK’s most critical institutions.