University, Police Investigating UC Theft: Update
February 07, 2013 - Campus Bulletin
The University of Guelph is working with campus and city police to investigate a theft of 15 computers and other electronic devices.
It has now been determined that personal information was held on a device stolen during the recent break-and-enter on campus.
“We are unable to specifically identify the actual content that was on the device at the time it went missing,” said Rebecca Graham, the University’s chief information officer.
“It may have contained the personal information of some members of the University community. Given the lack of information, we decided to cast the net as wide as possible and inform anyone who may be potentially affected.”
Email messages were sent Wednesday night and this morning to nearly 20,000 people.
“In all likelihood, far fewer people have been affected, but we felt it was better to be abundantly cautious and contact everyone who may have had personal information on that device,” Graham says.
She says there is no evidence that anyone has used this information. Campus and city police continue to investigate.
The device had been kept in a secure area. It was stolen Jan. 27. The theft was detected shortly after it occurred. Campus Community Police issued a crime bulletin and began investigating along with City of Guelph Police.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently with the appropriate authorities, including the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario,” Graham says.
The University is reviewing operations to reduce the risk of recurrence and is taking all possible precautions to secure personal information, Graham says.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner will work with the University during the investigation and help U of G meet statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
“We are committed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of information, and deeply regret this incident,” Graham says.
Anyone with information about the break-and-enter is asked to contact Campus Community Police at Ext. 52245 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
