New security risk for the victims of MoD laptop theft

When the computer containing unencrypted data on 600,000 personnel and recruits was stolen earlier this month, it was described as a "treasure trove" for extremists.

Now the MoD has asked the people whose details were lost to put a package in the post containing copies of their passport, driving licence, a utility bill, an employer's letter and a bank letter – a request that critics say is even more of a terrorist treasure trove if any of them go missing.

Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the Government was stumbling from chaos to farce over the handling of private information.

"Given the number of letters and parcels lost by the Royal Mail in the past year and the MoD's ability to lose confidential records, this just looks like a recipe for disaster," he said.

Defence Secretary Des Browne has ordered a full review of security after it emerged that a total of 347 MoD laptops have been stolen in the past four years.

The laptop containing the sensitive details was stolen from the car of a Royal Navy careers adviser in Birmingham.

It had the names, addresses, ranks, bank, driving licence, National Insurance, National Health and passport details of people who have either joined, or expressed an interest in joining, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RAF since 1997.

People who contact Whitehall to find out whether their security has been compromised are being sent emails to make the request in writing.

It then asks them to send copies of all the sensitive documentation in the post.