Huge ‘Lost Property’ Bill of UK Diplomats in US

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 12, 2026

British diplomatic missions across several US cities have reported the theft or loss of approximately 40 high-value items, including vehicles, electronics, and personal belongings, since 2021. The recurring security breaches, highlighted by a major 2022 burglary in Houston and ongoing losses in Washington DC, have drawn criticism over lax oversight and prompted calls for stricter asset protection measures.

British diplomatic missions in the United States have reported the loss or theft of property valued at hundreds of thousands of pounds over the past five years, including vehicles, electronics, and personal items. The incidents span multiple locations, including New York, Boston, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Miami, with a total of around 40 items documented as missing or stolen since 2021.

Among the most significant losses was a burglary in 2022 at the UK consulate in Houston. Thieves stole two vehicles—a Jaguar F-Pace and a Mitsubishi—as well as a generator, a television, golf clubs, a coin collection, clothing, a coat, and a barbecue. The reported value of items taken in that incident, excluding the cars, exceeded £67,000. While the Foreign Office did not specify the value of the stolen vehicles, a new Jaguar F-Pace can cost up to £90,000. Authorities later apprehended the suspects, who were prosecuted and imprisoned, and some of the stolen property was recovered.

In addition to the Houston incident, the British missions in Boston, Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Washington DC have also experienced losses, primarily involving electronic devices like iPhones and laptops. Boston staff reported missing a laptop and iPhone in 2021, along with security passes and several iPhones in subsequent years. Atlanta and Miami similarly recorded multiple stolen iPhones. New York's losses included a stolen iPhone and a lost laptop.

Washington DC emerged as the location with the highest number of incidents, with 13 iPhones reported missing since 2022, alongside a stolen laptop and a case of whiskey. Some of these losses occurred during the tenure of Peter Mandelson, who served as the UK ambassador to the US from February 2025 until his dismissal seven months later amid controversy related to his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The losses have persisted into 2026, with recent reports of two missing iPhones from the Washington embassy and a stolen laptop in Houston.

John O’Connell, CEO of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, criticized the apparent oversight, calling the volume of losses "appalling" and urging the Foreign Office to improve controls over government property and hold those responsible accountable to protect taxpayers from the financial impact.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office responded that it treats the security of government and staff assets with utmost seriousness. The department said it conducts investigations when property goes missing under suspicious circumstances, takes prosecutorial action where appropriate, and works to recover lost items.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.