RM ordered to release statistics on mail thefts from Cars!!!

[NEWS]

I haven't got time to read this at the mo,so not 100% in it,but sounds interesting.

Go here http://www.ico.gov.uk/RSSFeeds/PressReleases.aspx
And click on the link that says 'Royal Mail ordered to release statistics on mail thefts'
Its a PDF thing.
Happy hunting

[IWW Fellow Worker]

Press Release
For immediate release
Date: 24 August 2007
Royal Mail ordered to release statistics on mail thefts
The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, has ruled under the Freedom of Information Act that Royal Mail must disclose statistics on the number of thefts from private vehicles being used to deliver mail.
The complainant made a request to Royal Mail concerning the organisation’s use of private vehicles to deliver mail. The complainant also requested statistics concerning the theft of mail from private vehicles when being used to deliver mail. Royal Mail did release some of the requested information on the use of private vehicles, but argued that by raising awareness that private vehicles are being used for mail delivery, the disclosure of statistics on thefts would increase the likelihood of these vehicles becoming targets for criminals.
In his decision, the Information Commissioner considered whether releasing the statistics on thefts from private vehicles would prejudice the prevention or detection of crime or interfere in any Royal Mail investigation. The Information Commissioner decided that disclosure of the statistics would not prejudice, or be likely to prejudice, the prevention or detection of crime. The Information Commissioner considers that disclosure of the information would enhance the public’s understanding of the risks of delivering mail by this method and their ability to assess Royal Mail’s performance. These are matters of public interest.
Royal Mail must now disclose the withheld information within 35 calendar days of the ruling. In his decision, the Information Commissioner criticised Royal Mail for failing to respond to the complainant within the statutory deadline.
Either party has the right to appeal against this Decision Notice to the Information Tribunal.
The full Decision Notice can be downloaded at: http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/ ... 118873.pdf
ENDS
If you need more information, please contact the Information Commissioner’s press office on 020 7025 7580 or visit the website at: www.ico.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
1. The Information Commissioner promotes public access to official information and protects personal information. The ICO is an independent body with specific responsibilities set out in the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.
2. For more information about the Information Commissioner’s Office subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.ico.gov.uk
3. Appeals on either side must be made within 28 days of the date of the Decision Notice

[shelly]

At last we are getting a responce to posties useing their cars to deliver mail. I have been saying for years, why do people do it, I have never understood why we believe it has any benefit to anyone except Royal Mail.

[axeman]

i wonder if this a direct response from government as they i belive been told by the union about the use of private vehicles by delivery staff etc.... think i read it on a thread here somewhere ?

[Lounge Lizard]

It would also be useful to have information on thefts from bag drop off points none of which, despite what is officially claimed, I have found to be secure - all at sub post offices and shops have been on the customer side of the counter, all at private houses have been unlocked, all but one of them within sight of the street. I don't codone the use of private cars but would have thought a locked car boot to be more secure than the bag drops I have used.

[Coppice1]

Area management stopped the use of cars on delivery where i work but if that changed most would use them rather than get a van or bike to their walk. The locked car boot being more secure than drops arguement was used but ignored.

[musicbowler]

WHAT ABOUT POUCH BOXES BEING BROKEN INTO ? IN MY AREA LAST YEAR 2 OR 3 WERE BEING DONE EVERY WEEK FOR MONTHS & NOTHING WAS DONE TO PREVENT IT . WONDER HOW MUCH IDENTITY FRAUD THAT CAUSED ? EVEN MY FAMILY WERE VICTIMS ! !

[dvbuk55]

Well to me it looks like a specific question about Ilford - and someone seems to have an inside knowledge about what goes on there and is trying to embarrass the management.