HC Deb 19 March 1999 vol 327 c835W
Mr. Truswell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information was obtained by unauthorised persons gaining access to the West Yorkshire Police internal communications system; and what assessment he has made of the current security of the system. [76977]

Mr. Boateng

I understand that an individual gained access to the West Yorkshire Police voicemail system and was able to access messages left on voicemail boxes that had not been password protected. He also gained access to the Crimestoppers Line.

The security of the communications system is an operational matter for West Yorkshire Police. I understand they have implemented a number of security measures to prevent further breaches. Calls to the Crimestoppers line now go directly to a manned extension and are no longer on the internal voicemail system.