MP calls for inquiry after laptops theft

Buy photos » Harriett Baldwin - Conservative

PERSHORE'S MP Harriett Baldwin has called for an inquiry into a series of thefts at the House of Commons after two laptops were stolen from her office over the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Mrs Baldwin said she had major concerns as the office was locked and there had been a number of thefts from offices in parliament over the last year.

Each House of Commons office has a sophisticated lock system but cleaners, postal staff and other workers have access to each office throughout the day and night.

But Mrs Baldwin reassured people that no secure data had been lost as all constituent information is stored on remote servers.

The West Worcestershire MP is now calling for a proper inquiry into the security checks carried out on administrative staff.

"I was amazed that someone can brazenly walk into my locked office with a key and remove two laptops, when armed policeman are patrolling the entrance," she said.

"This isn’t the first time that a break-in has occurred in this building and the police and Commons staff urgently need to look into this and find the culprit.

"Fortunately, all of our private constituent data is stored on a remote server and neither of these laptops were used for constituent correspondence.

"Nevertheless, I hope that the criminal is quickly caught and prosecuted to prevent any further thefts."

The break-in is currently being investigated by Scotland Yard forensics experts and the Serjeant-at-Arms to try and identify the thief.

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