WITH passports being dusted off for the Summer holiday break, Bolton North East MP David Crausby is warning people to keep a close watch on the valuable documents.
In 2005 more than 286,000 British passports were reported lost or stolen of which 90,000 were reported missing during the summer months.
Mr Crausby said: "I would urge people to take good care of their passports, both at home and abroad as it is an important document and should be carefully looked after at all times to avoid it falling into the wrong hands.
"If your passport is lost or stolen abroad you should contact the local police, you should also report the missing passport to the nearest British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.
"If your passport was lost or stolen in the UK, you must report it."
Advice for keeping your passport safe includes keeping it with you in hand luggage when travelling and storing it in a safe place on arrival and taking photocopies of the passport, leaving one copy with a friend at home.
Be wary of surrendering your passport and if in doubt check with the tour operator or British consulate.
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