A LAPTOP containing sensitive information about vulnerable Oldham adults with mental health problems has been stolen.

Investigations are taking place to determine exactly what type of information was held on the computer, the number of records and their level of sensitivity.

The computer was apparently taken from an Oldham Council manager’s car which was parked on Grange Avenue, Coppice, near to The Grange – a centre used by people with mental health problems – on September 1.

Greater Manchester Police say the incident took place between 9.15am and 10.15am on that day. Their enquiries continue.

The car was parked on the street when the thief smashed one of the windows to get the laptop and a bag of clothes.

Veronica Jackson, the council’s executive director for Adult and Community Services, said: "We can confirm that a council laptop was stolen from a member of staff who was taking it home to do some work.

"As soon as the staff member concerned became aware that the laptop had been stolen they followed the correct procedures and immediately reported the theft to the council and the police.

"An investigation into this incident is under way. Part of the investigation will look into breaches of security and what action needs to be taken to ensure this does not happen again.

"We would like to reassure the public that the information was secured with a password, and that there is no evidence to suggest that personal information has been made public."

A council spokesman said no further comment will now be made on the nature of the lost data until the investigation has been completed.