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17 council laptops wheeled off in bin
Reporter: Janice Barker
Date online: 09 January 2009
A SECURITY crackdown has been launched by Oldham Council after 17 laptops were wheeled out in a recycling bin from under the noses of staff.
The theft happened late on Monday at Oldham Civic Centre, and included some computers used by personnel staff.
It is the latest in a number of burglaries over the last 12 months including other laptops stored in cupboards.
Barbara Cotton, the council’s risk and insurance manager, has told all chief officers and councillors that security must be improved.
She also told them: “Door keys need to be replaced as a matter of urgency and doors should be kept locked when offices are unmanned. Late working arrangements need to be clarified and communicated to all staff.’
Chief executive Charlie Parker has told all staff that police are investigating and he asked for their help. He said: “We need to know if anyone was seen moving a blue recycling bin which may have been used to remove the equipment from the premises.
“Since the initial report, staff have since discovered that more laptops, which were stored away, have been stolen.
Union members have reported unauthorised people getting into the building by tailgating council staff as they used their electronic passes.
Unison branch secretary Ann Mitchell, who represents 4,000 staff, said: “Last year members brought this to my attention.
“A reminder went out to enforce the rule that staff should only let themselves in and no-one else. You wonder how people could get into the building and walk off with 17 laptops.”
Today Mr Parker said: “I am satisfied that no sensitive information was being held. Replacements were quickly supplied.”
Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon said: “You need to ask why so many doors were insecure when the building was closed.
“Now it is left to taxpayers to pick up the tab at a time when we can least afford to.”
Comments
This has been going on for over a year. Hands up those who knew. Barbara Cotton, council risk and insurance manager, told all chief officers and councillors security must be improved. Is it too much to hope that she is now the ex council R & I manager & someone with a bit of nous will undertake this.
Ann Mitchell, who represents 4,000 staff, said: “Last year members reported unauthorised entries & brought this to my attention.”
THEN WHY THE HELL DIDN'T SHE & THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?
Counc. McMahon says: “You need to ask why so many doors were insecure when the building was closed."
After numerous burglaries over 12 months. YOU, Counc. McMahon, should have asked the question long ago. If you claim not to have known, are you telling us council staff have been covering up & no councillor knew of these crimes?
Why should TAXpayers pay? We've got a £17.3m deficit on our tab thanks to you & your cronies. Let those who left doors open & computers lying about pay.
Does Charlie think we are all stupid?
Most council computers hold some sensitive information.
If no sensitive information was being held on these 17 laptops, what were they used for?
May-be they held details of his new office decor.
Or were they all brand new?
With the amount of money this council has to spare, it can afford to keep new unused laptops.
Is it right that Trading Standards oversee the security of council buildings, this is pathetic, heads should roll, did these lap top have any markings on them, such as the logo of the Argentinian Air Force.
Could the Chron do some investigating and find out, which Chief Officers Barbara Cotton told and try to find out what they did, rather than giving us half a story, buck up
I hope that these laptops had all of the Job Evaluation data stored on them. We can offer a reward for them NOT to be returned. They should have wheeled off the Job Evaluation Team also.
Have Your Say
God Almighty!!
How many 'other laptops' have gone? It's bad enough when the govt loses one, who knows how many have gone from the Tower of Babble. Charlie boy doesn't know, so how can he know what information they held.Some were used by personnel staff. What do they deal in? Personal records perhaps? Replacements were supplied. Who paid for those then? Answers on a postcard to Whitewash dept. Nowtleft, West st.
By Ruffyed @ 09/01/2009 19:52:44