GENEVA – A bag containing a computer and two USB sticks with sensitive data on the security plan for the Olympic Games in Paris has been stolen from Paris' Gare du Nord train station, French media reported late Tuesday evening.
The theft took place on Monday, BFMTV reported, adding that an employee of the Paris city administration filed a complaint the same day after noticing the theft of his bag.
According to the news channel, the man is said to be a 56-year-old engineer.
The first USB stick contains security plans for roads and traffic during the Olympic Games, while the second USB stick contains no security-related data, the broadcaster said.
The Paris police confirmed that the theft occurred between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time.
According to the police, the engineer stated in his complaint that he had placed his bag in a compartment above his seat before he noticed the theft.
The Regional Road Safety Authority (SRT) has launched an investigation into the theft, and video surveillance images from the Gare du Nord are currently being analyzed.
The city administration plans to deploy nearly 2,000 police officers to the Olympic Games from July 26 to Aug. 11.
The focus will be on the spectacular opening ceremony in particular. For the first time in history, the ceremony will not take place in a stadium.
Instead, the athletes will travel on boats across the French metropolis between the Pont d'Austerlitz and the Pont d'Iena, a distance of about 6 km. (3.72 miles) that needs to be secured.
Up to half a million spectators are expected along the banks. The Paris city council is planning to deploy 40,000 police officers and about 20,000 private security personnel. There will also be support from the military. (Anadolu)
