10TV reports that hundreds of Columbus Public Health employees were notified that personal information pertaining to some of them was stolen. The station says that the email notification read, in part:
Our department was notified earlier this week that Columbus Police recovered stolen financial records and papers from Columbus Public Health as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. We are collaborating closely with our partners at the Division of Police and our city attorney’s office.
Since this is an ongoing investigation, the details we have are limited. We know the stolen records included personal identifying information, so we wanted to notify you immediately so you may choose to protect yourself. Since learning of this, we have reviewed our safety and security procedures to ensure our employees are protected. Unfortunately, even in organizations with strict security, there may always be a level of risk as in this case.
Because we have no knowledge how this information has been utilized, we suggest that you take some preventative measures. Because we believe your name and social security information was available in the documentation stolen and to help safeguard you from misuse of your personal information, we have arranged for you to receive 12 months of identity protection under the Debix Identity Protection Network at no cost to you. Further information on this service will be forthcoming in the next day.
Denise Yost of NBC adds:
According to Columbus Police Sgt. Rich Weiner, investigators have identified a person of interest in connection with the stolen information.
Weiner said the person of interest was an employee within the department over the past three years. He said current employees and those who previously worked at the department within the last three years may be affected.