Police files stolen

A POLICE officer has been suspended after a memory stick containing confidential information was stolen from his house in Oldham.

The off-duty officer left his back door open when an opportunist thief struck stealing the keys to his black Volkswagen Golf — with a laptop and warrant card inside, it is claimed.

The device is thought to contain names and addresses of officers, witnesses and suspects.

Neighbours spotted around 20 police officers desperately searching the officer’s garden for clues after the incident during the evening of Friday, July 15, in Grotton.

They claim the serving police officer left his back door open in an attempt to get rid of a wasp in his house. Instead, the thief made a bee-line for the property.

Greater Manchester Police have had to inform a member of the public that their personal information may have been compromised. They revealed a further detailed risk assessment is ongoing and the officer is “subject to disciplinary proceedings.”

Det Chf Supt Dave Keller said: “A criminal investigation to recover the memory stick is ongoing and the force’s Professional Standards Branch is carrying out a separate inquiry into the officer’s conduct.

“Greater Manchester Police is reinforcing to officers and staff the importance of keeping information secure at all times.

“We expect all officers and staff to adhere to rigorous standards with regard to confidential and sensitive documents.”

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.