A laptop containing the scripts of EastEnders Christmas episodes
has been stolen in a burglary at a script writer's home.
Diederick Santer, executive producer at the BBC, said the laptop
"contains the
twists
and turns of our exciting EastEnders Christmas".
The incident highlights the importance of securing devices when
offsite.
If the storylines are leaked before Christmas they may lead to
reduced viewing figures and potentially be worth money to the
burglars.
"Whilst it sounds an amusing tale, the fact that the laptop was
stolen during a burglary brings the theft of the laptop firmly into
focus. It shows that laptop thefts can occur anywhere and at any
time, and that companies need to be aware of this issue," said Paul
Huntingdon,UK director at security supplier Credant.
"The danger here is that the plotline for the Christmas episodes
will leak out before Christmas and reduce the soap's viewing
figures, almost certainly to the benefit of other broadcasters," he
added.
"What is potentially worse, is that, if the scripts do fall into
the wrong party's hands - perhaps by being posted on the internet -
then a third party could profit from the situation, without any
money going to the BBC coffers."