Police send unauthorised data to FarmWatch members

Police in Northumbria are investigating how personal data relating to local criminal suspects was emailed last week to members of a local FarmWatch scheme.

Members of the Farm Watch scheme in Northumberland were sent a bulletin  updating them on recent events. Mistakenly, a document was attached which containing the names, dates of birth and addresses of 51 local suspects, contrary to the provison of the Data Security Act which strictly governs the exchange of personal data. The document also contained information about the action the force intended to take against the suspects.

Members of the FarmWatch scheme were asked to delete the document from their computers immediately, an inquiry instigated into how the lapse in data security happened annd police claim that emasures have been taken to ensure the error is not repeated. The Information Commission has been informed.

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