SKDO receives report of theft of electronic devices from Sub-district Care Team

     The Sai Kung District Office (SKDO) received a report of theft of electronic devices from a Sub-district Care Team yesterday (November 30).

     The operating organisation of the Sai Kung Hang Hau East Sub-district Care Team (i.e. the Hang Hau District Festival and Special Event Preparatory Committee) reported to the SKDO yesterday that there was a theft of a laptop and a mobile phone from a locked room by breaking the door lock of their office located at the address of Hang Hau Rural Committee (1 Hang Hau Road, New Territories). The equipment contain personal data of the service recipients of that Sub-district Care Team. It is estimated that the data involves names and phone numbers of a few hundred persons, some with addresses and identity card numbers. The operating organisation confirmed that they have been complying with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486), and have properly handled and kept confidential the relevant personal data in accordance with the Care Team's principle of use of data and confidentiality. Both electronic devices and files containing personal data are protected by high-strength passwords. Under these security measures, the risk of data leakage should be relatively low.

     The Police have classified the incident as a burglary case, and the operating organisation has reported the incident to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. The Hang Hau Rural Committee and the operating organisation are reviewing, and will further strengthen, their security measures. They are also reminding residents and service recipients to be vigilant. If anyone suspects a person impersonating a member of the Sai Kung Hang Hau East Sub-district Care Team, residents can contact the Care Team or the SKDO to verify their identity.

     The SKDO sincerely apologises to the persons affected for any inconvenience caused, and has set up a hotline (6278 0536) for enquiries. The SKDO has also reminded all Care Teams to stay vigilant and further strengthen security measures and stressed that they should continue to handle and keep personal data confidential according to the guidelines.