Missing Weapons and Devices Raise Security Concerns for UK Defence and Police

Freedom-of-information data reveal that more than 5,000 weapons, ammunition items and electronic devices have gone missing from UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) assets and police forces between 2021 and 2025. The inventory includes a Colt Canada C8 assault rifle used by the Special Air Service, a £239 washing-machine, eight helmets, 80 bullets, three body-armour plates and “large missile cases.” Police forces reported 787 lost or stolen technological devices last year, down from 1,436 in 2024. The MoD alone recorded roughly 1,300 laptops, computers and memory sticks lost or stolen, of which at least 44 have been recovered.

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The missing items span England, Scotland and Wales, affecting 34 police forces and the MoD. Over the five-year period, 4,413 police-issued devices were reported missing, with only 107 recovered. The MoD’s loss tally includes 300+ devices between January 2025 and April 2025. Experts note that such losses have previously exposed personal data, citing a 2008 Royal Navy recruiting-officer laptop that contained details of 600,000 applicants, and an unencrypted USB stick found in 2018 that revealed Cabinet-minister security routes.

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An MoD spokesperson emphasized that and that any reported loss triggers investigation, prosecution and recovery efforts “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.” — An MoD spokesperson. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson highlighted a significant decline in lost electronic items since 2024 and affirmed robust procedures to minimise future loss. The City of London Police explained that an IT upgrade led to the issuance of new encrypted laptops and the reclamation of obsolete devices “As part of an IT upgrade last year, officers and staff were issued new laptops; we are in the process of reclaiming any obsolete laptops which have not yet been returned. These devices are encrypted and can no longer access City of London Police networks.” — Glasgow City, spokesperson. Police Scotland cited compliance with the National Policing Information Systems Community Security Policy and ongoing training to reduce incidents.

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Tristan Caulfield, associate professor at University College London, argued that while the probability of successful exploitation is low, the potential impact of accessing sensitive information could be significant. Both experts stress that encryption and strong security culture are essential but not foolproof.

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• “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.” — An MoD spokesperson

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• “As part of an IT upgrade last year, officers and staff were issued new laptops; we are in the process of reclaiming any obsolete laptops which have not yet been returned. These devices are encrypted and can no longer access City of London Police networks.” — Glasgow City, spokesperson

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