MP demands inquiry into passports theft

MICHAEL MEACHER: “There needs to be a major investigation to ensure this does not happen again."

AN Oldham MP today threw his weight behind the investigation into how 3,000 passports worth millions on the black market were able to be stolen.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said questions needed to be answered and quickly to ensure no future security breaches.

Twenty-four parcels containing blank passports and blank stickers for visas were printed at 3M Security Printing and Systems Ltd in Gorse Street, Chadderton, when the driver stopped to go into a shop.

They were en route to RAF Northolt in London for British embassies abroad when the theft happened on Monday.

Mr Meacher said: “Clearly what has happened is a very serious crime and I support the investigation police are carrying out.

“There needs to be a major investigation to ensure this does not happen again.

“It is not only important the people involved are brought to justice but to ensure lessons are learned and it does not happen again.”

He added: “I have been in the factory and it is very impressive with state-of-the-art technology and top surveillance.”

The missing passports could fetch about £5,000 each on the black market.

An investigation is currently under way into why the documents were not being carried in an armoured van but a white transit van.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas fears the passports could be used in countries where there are no biometric tests.

But an Identity and Passport Service spokesman said: “Our high-tech security features mean that these passports are unusable.”

Police are still seeking witnesses to the robbery, at 6.40am off Long Lane, Chadderton.

They want to trace two men, one heavily tanned, who robbed the white Citroen Relay van while the driver was in a shop.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 of the Crimestoppers charity on 0800-555 111.