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Britons value their iPods, jewellery and mobile phones more than their passports, according to new Home Office research.

A poll found people were more likely to report the theft of an iPod than a passport, and 79% people would tell their mobile phone company about a missing phone on the day it was taken but only 64% of people would do the same with a passport.

However, a stolen passport on the black market can be worth as much as £500.

When comes to looking after a passport at home only 22% keep travel documents under lock and key, while 28% would do so for other valuables.

Bernard Herdan, executive director of the Identity and Passport Service, said: 'Passports are often not seen as valuable so get left on a sideboard or put in a file. However, to a thief they are far more valuable than many gadgets and are likely to get stolen in a burglary if not securely locked away.

'Your passport is a key identity document and must be looked after. Identity fraud is one of Britain's fastest growing crimes, enabling other crimes such as illegal immigration, money laundering, people trafficking and terrorism.'

On holiday, however, Brits are far more careful with their passports. Fifty eight per cent put their passport in a safe in the hotel when abroad, 8% leave it in a suitcase, 24% carry it with them and 6% hide it in their room.

Holidaymakers are advised to keep their passports with them when travelling in hand luggage or a zipped pocket. It is also a good idea to keep photocopies if travel documents are lost and also be wary when asked to hand them over.


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