Can Apple reset my phone with only imei number?

My iPhone 5 as been lost iv got a feeling it's been stolen anyway it was my own phone and I had a sim only deal in it the problem is iv cancelled the sim and the phone as got a pass code on I don't remember the Apple ID or password as it was a spare phone I hardly used it's full of pics of holiday s and stuff wot I need to know if the parson who stole it can get past the pass code to see my pics and stuff? Is this possible also Apple support told me ther can factory restore the phone with imei number is this true will ther need the phone?

The thief won't be able to get past the pass code security.
Apple can do nothing with the phone's IMEI number.