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

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has said it is aware of reports that an 'urban explorer' discovered sensitive council documents left in an unoccupied 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". The ICO has now said it was "assessing the information" provided by the council.

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."