Olympic Security Secrets Lost in London
A secret file containing detailed security plans for the upcoming summer Olympic games in London was left on train and found by a commuter.
A cop reportedly lost the file, which was found by a commuter and later handed to the UK publication, The Sun. According to Fox News, The Sun handed the file over to the police, after peeking inside.
The chief inspector in Scotland's Yard's Territorial Policing branch is "hugely embarrassed," according to The Sun.
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The unnamed commuter found the documents on a train on Jan. 5 in southeastern England.
"I couldn't believe any policeman could have left this on a train. It's a worry," the commuter told The Sun.
The dossier contained details that could allow terrorists to plan a devastating attack on the Olympic games this summer.
The files were restricted because they displayed security plans at sites of events, provided minutes of top-level meetings where tactics to beat terrorists were discussed, dates and details of pre-Olympic rehearsals, and it explained emergency lock-down procedures.
The dossier also set out plans to avoid traffic congestion and contained additional information that could have been compromised including the names and cell phone numbers of constables, sergeants and inspectors. The files also reported officers' complaints of faulty radio equipment, information that potential terrorists could exploit.
Ironically, the files contained memos from senior officers stressing the importance of appearing professional during the games.
London's Metropolitan Police downplayed the incident, claiming that the files weren't thought to be operationally sensitive according to Fox News.
"An officer lost his bag containing a number of documents," a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said. "He reported the loss. The Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed, as is routine."
The 2012 Olympic games in London will feature sporting events such us archery, basketball, athletics, BMX cycling, mountain bike cycling, track cycling, fencing and much more. The games start on July 27 and last through Aug. 17.
