Arrest over Charnwood data theft

A man has been arrested over the theft of a Charnwood BC computer hard drive which contained confidential data on council tax payers' bank accounts. The drive was sold on the eBay website for £6.99.

Council leader Richard Shepherd (Con) said the buyer had co-operated with the council and it would recover the drive.

"I regret the concern caused to Charnwood residents by this serious matter," he said. "I will personally ensure a thorough review is completed to find out how this happened."

He said it was the council's policy to securely dispose of all computer hardware, and it was never resold, donated or given away. Disposals were carried out by contractors who provided certification.

Leicestershire police confirmed that a 49-year-old man from Shepshed had been arrested for theft.