MoD reveals almost 200 thefts of ‘service equipment’ and ‘defence assets’ in last year

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

• 153 instances thefts of Ministry of Defence (MoD) service equipment were reported in the last year

• A further 34 thefts of ‘other defence assets’ were also reported.

• The Liberal Democrats have demanded Defence Ministers ‘come clean and launch an official inquiry’ into the revelations.

The Liberal Democrats have uncovered almost 200 thefts of 'defence assets' and equipment from the Ministry of Defence in the last year. 

A Written Parliamentary Question (WPQ) from Liberal Democrat Frontbencher, Sarah Olney MP revealed 153 instances of theft of ‘service equipment’ and 34 of ‘other defence assets.'

The response, given by Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the MoD, Dr Andrew Murrison, revealed that in total, over 200 instances of theft were reported by the Department in the period between 14 December 2022 and the same date this year.

The Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of being ‘complacent with our nationals security’ over the revelations, and demanded an official inquiry into what risk the findings could pose.

Liberal Democrat Frontbencher, Sarah Olney said:

“These revelations are extremely concerning - Ministry of Defence equipment in the wrong hands could put British citizens at risk. 

“Ministers should come clean and launch an official inquiry into how this equipment was stolen, what has been lost, and if any hostile intelligence services could be involved.

“The Government has a duty to keep our country safe, yet these figures suggest that they are being complacent with our national security.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

WPQ on MoD thefts seen here

The data was reported was originally reported in the Sun