Personal info on 600,000 on lost laptop

LONDON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Authorities say a laptop computer containing personal data on 600,000 people linked to the British military has been stolen from an officer's car.

The laptop contained home addresses, insurance numbers and bank account and passport details of personnel serving in the British military and thousands who showed an interest in a military career, The Times of London reported Saturday.

The theft, believed to have occurred in Birmingham overnight on Jan. 9-10, had been kept secret for national security reasons, military officials told the Times. The junior Royal Navy officer, who may not have been authorized to have the laptop in his car, now faces a court martial, the newspaper reported.

Des Browne, Britain's defense secretary, plans to brief the House of Commons on the situation this week, the Times said.