The Ministry of Defence has reported the loss of hundreds of electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and computers, since July 2024, according to a written parliamentary answer provided to Ben Obese-Jecty MP (Conservative, Huntingdon).
Responding to the question, Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, revealed that between 5 July 2024 and 21 April 2025, the MoD reported the following losses:
- Computers: 12
- USB devices: 15
- Phones: 379
- Laptops: 95
Pollard stressed that not all reported incidents resulted in confirmed losses or thefts. In several cases, devices were reported missing but later found.
A particularly sharp rise in missing phones was noted in January and February 2025, when 124 and 145 phones were reported missing respectively. Pollard explained that these figures stemmed from two incidents within a single part of Defence, linked to a mustering of assets during an internal audit. Although it is believed that poor accounting is the likely cause rather than theft or genuine loss, the phones continue to be recorded as missing pending final confirmation.
“The discrepancy came to light following the strengthening of accounting processes within that organisation,” Pollard said, adding that “this new audit process will ensure record keeping and utilisation are carefully managed in future, minimising associated costs and wastage.”
Pollard also reiterated that the Ministry takes the security of its devices seriously and mandates the reporting of all losses and thefts across the department.
Loss? a very polite term?
No, it’s the technical term.