The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been accused of a 'security crisis' after new figures revealed that more than 1,000 devices, including laptops, tablets, and phones, have been lost or stolen since 2024. The data, released following a Freedom of Information request, shows that none of the missing devices have been recovered, and replacing them could cost around £1.6 million.
Political backlash over missing devices
Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson James MacCleary called on Defence Secretary John Healey to 'get a grip' on the issue, describing the situation as a 'security crisis'. He stated: 'Every pound counts when our national security is at stake and the government's defence investment plan is still missing in action – yet the MoD is leaking money through basic incompetence. Seeing taxpayer cash vanish into a black hole of lost laptops and stolen phones is a kick in the teeth – every pound spent replacing an iPad is a pound taken away from the frontline.'
Concerns from the Shadow Defence Secretary
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge also expressed concern, calling the statistics a 'real concern'. The MoD data indicates that 132 laptops and tablets and 36 phones are believed to have been stolen over the 27-month period from January 2024, with the remaining devices lost by staff.
Previous security breaches
In March last year, the Express revealed that more than 260 MoD phones had gone missing in just two months, prompting claims of an 'extraordinary' security breach. The MoD has responded by stating: 'We take the security of defence assets extremely seriously and have robust policies and procedures to prevent losses and thefts. If any assets are reported lost or missing due to suspected criminal activity, we take the necessary steps to investigate, prosecute and recover the items.'
