LAPTOPS containing the personal details of nearly 2,000 education workers in Manchester have been stolen from the town hall.
The computers - which had passwords, but were not encrypted - contained the names, dates of birth and national insurance numbers of 1,754 teachers, teaching assistants and support staff.
All victims have been offered the use of a credit reference company that will alert them to any suspicious activity involving their bank accounts.
The two laptops were taken from an office protected by an automatic door-lock system. The doors are designed to be opened by a swipe-card. It is understood that the thieves tampered with the lock to gain entry to the office.
Council chiefs have now written to all affected staff to alert them to the security breach. The raid, which is believed to have happened some time after 5.15pm on October 30, has been reported to the police and the information commissioner, who is responsible for protecting personal data.
It is understood the stolen information did not include addresses or bank details.
The council is now carrying out a review of how it stores electronic data, and whether its security measures are adequate.
One furious member of staff told the M.E.N.: "It stinks - I cannot believe that these computers were not encrypted.
"It is unbelievable that all this personal information can be on there.
"We recycle and shred everything with our address on and take all possible steps to protect ourselves. It is a shame our employer does not do the same.
"I cannot believe they have kept it secret for three weeks. They should have told all staff immediately."
Richard Paver, the city treasurer, said: "We take this matter very seriously and are currently carrying out a review of how personal information is stored electronically, and whether further security measures can be introduced to reduce the likelihood of such a theft occurring in the future.
"Staff have been offered support and advice including the use of a credit reference support company that will allow them to regularly check their credit file and will automatically alert them to any unusual personal financial activity.
"A dedicated phone line has been set up offering advice from financial experts and staff have also been offered access to a victims of fraud service.
"We appreciate this theft may have caused staff anxiety, and are doing all we can to minimise the impact of this incident."
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Mad Angela, St George's, Hulme , (21/11/2008 at 15:40)
ebble, manchester (21/11/2008 at 15:55)
These are the staff we are expected to give the C charge money to. How much of it would be wasted on bureaucracy and carelessness and how much would actually be used to improve public transport?
Chris Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (21/11/2008 at 16:05)
Dennis the Menace, Hyde (23/11/2008 at 01:36)
The Councils IT dept should hang its head in shame for allowing laptops used for work purposes not to be encrypted !!!!
SOMEONES HEAD SHOULD SURELY ROLL FOR THIS IN ORDER TO SET AN EXAMPLE OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS FAILURE !!!!
Are nobodies personal details safe ????????
Mass1450, Irlam, Manchester (23/11/2008 at 11:10)
I have not seen the Sun newspaper myself but i have been told by an ex-employee that this was in the Sun and the laptop was stolen while the person was on holiday laptop, but our letter said while on business overseas, we also have been offered the use of a service to help protect our identity.
This is not good enough more care and attention to security should be paid when dealing with personal details, why xcan't this be left on a office computer instead of being carried around just asking to be stolen.
Angry UPSer.