Referral made to information watchdog after sensitive files found in unoccupied council building

West Sussex Council confirmed in a statement last week (16 July) that it had referred the incident to the information watchdog, but insisted the building was not abandoned and was "fully secured".

Urban explorers are individuals who explore abandoned or off-limits buildings, often documenting their excursions online.

The council said it was aware of the of the unauthorised entry by a member of the public to two county council buildings in Chichester, and claims that the person found documents containing personal sensitive data inside. 

It also said it was aware of claims that pictures of some of those documents were posted online.

West Sussex insisted the buildings were not abandoned, but "unoccupied" and claimed that both buildings had been "fully secured" and were monitored regularly. 

A council spokesperson added: "The council is treating this situation seriously and is taking swift action to address it. Steps are being taken to confirm that all material stored is done so securely, with material held at these two locations being relocated while investigations into how access was gained are carried out.

"A thorough review of security at all buildings in our estate will be completed as a matter of urgency and action will be taken where needed to safeguard against further unauthorised entry."

A spokesperson for the ICO confirmed that the council had reported the incident, adding: “We assessed the information provided and issued data protection advice and guidance, highlighting the importance of safely storing paper records.

“In light of the remedial measures already taken by the Council, including removal of the documents from the buildings, we were satisfied that appropriate steps had been taken and closed the case with no further regulatory action.”

Adam Carey