MOD laptop theft

• BAFF radio interview 19 Jan
• Browne announces review on MOD information security
• BAFF update 2 Feb 08

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that West Midlands police are investigating the theft of a laptop which held personal details of some 600,000 people.

The data is said to cover people who have either expressed an interest in, or have joined, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force (but not the Army).

The amount of detail varies according to how far the individual progressed their enquiry, and whether they actually applied.

A British Armed Forces Federation spokesperson interviewed on BBC News 24 expressed alarm over the reported circumstances, including reports that the stolen laptop was left in a (locked) vehicle overnight, but did not criticise the authorities over an initial delay in making the loss public. He called for the Defence Secretary to make a statement to the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity.

The MOD has said that it was writing to 3,500 people whose bank details were on the database.

The MOD has also announced that advice can be sought by emailing recruitdata@check.MOD. uk.

The MOD has also now established a helpline for individuals to seek further advice. The number is 0800 0853600. This number will be open ... 0700hrs to 1900hrs between Monday and Friday.

Anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000.

Updates:

Feb 08: Concerns have now been expressed to BAFF that the MOD letter has been going to overseas addresses, including addresses in the Republic of Ireland, which the potential recruit or their family have long since left, with the result that letters have been opened by the present occupants. It has also been suggested that some of the missing data covers individuals who made recruiting enquiries as far back as 1996.

Apr 08: A member of the RN/RM community website 'Rum Ration' reported that he has also received the MOD letter, but that he joined in 1992.

Any more BAFF members affected by this issue are asked to contact us as soon as possible.

External links:

• Ministry of Defence - MOD confirms loss of recruitment data
• BBC News - Police probe theft of MOD laptop
• Daily Telegraph - Laptop held 10 years of servicemen's details
• Press Association - Browne to make data loss statement
• MOD 21 Jan - Browne announces review on MOD information security