YJB computer theft could put children at risk

Burglars targeted YJB offices in Victoria, London, at some time between Friday 19 June and Monday 22 June.

A police spokeswoman said the burglary took place in Greycoat Place, home to the organisation's IT project Wiring Up Youth Justice. She added that no arrests have been made and Westminster CID is investigating.

Terri Dowty, policy director at Action on Rights for Children, said she is concerned the laptops and discs may contain sensitive information relating to children that come into contact with the criminal justice system.

"It would be helpful if the YJB would confirm or deny whether sensitive personal data has gone walkabout," she said. "These children are very vulnerable. We just don't know what was on these laptops or discs."

The YJB collates huge amounts of information on young offenders from various sources including young offender institutions and youth offending teams (YOT).