B&M Secure Shredding urge caution following crime files being found in a skip

After a recent investigation was launched by the Ministry of Justice into confidential crime files found in a skip, B&M Secure Shredding Director Paul Curtis is urging businesses to be cautious over the disposal of confidential information.

In this particular case the sensitive documents, which included details of murders and rapes, were discovered when builders began renovating the former Derby Lane police station in Old Swan. Containing 40 years of serious and violent crimes on Merseyside were left abandoned at a former probation centre then thrown into a skip. The documents also contained people’s addresses, dates of births, National Insurance numbers and full descriptions of crimes.

Paul said “It’s always prudent to shred confidential documentation once it is no longer required, and this is what the Data Protection Act is in place to enforce. This type of incident can be avoided by utilising a secure shredding service, such as that which B&M Secure Shredding offer, as we not only shred confidential documentation, but also provide a certificate of destruction. This provides an audit trail and confirms to the customer that the destruction and recycling of paperwork has been completed to BSIA standards.”

Find out more about B&M Secure Shredding and the services offered at www.bagnallandmorris.com/shredding