Victims of a police data breach are to be visited in person by Suffolk officers to alert them to what has happened.
Details of more than 370 victims of crime in Suffolk have potentially been compromised and those involved in the most serious crimes will be visited by police in person, it has been revealed.
The 370 victims are among 1,200 people whose data has been breached through Freedom of Information requests made to Suffolk and Norfolk constabularies.
Chief executive of Ipswich-based charity Survivors in Transition Fiona Ellis said the incident was "disappointing," adding that the police should be "leading the way in data protection".
Ms Ellis has been working with the region's force in creating action plans to move forward and information packs for those affected by the breach.
She added: "This mustn't be a win for perpetrators and offenders.
"We need to focus on reassuring victims and survivors, while reinstilling public confidence so they feel able to contact the police."
Suffolk's police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore confirmed that the victims' circumstances have been triaged according to the level of risk.
He said: "The most urgent cases will receive a personal visit within six weeks to reassure them accordingly, since not all breaches have the same severity."
Having worked with Survivors in Transition for many years, Mr Passmore said their help has been "invaluable" in these circumstances.
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He highlighted that looking after and supporting victims of crime is a primary role for all police and crime commissioners, adding: "I would like to reiterate my heartfelt apology for this breach."
A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: "Victims are the priority in any investigation and we've taken steps to fully understand who has been impacted and the data involved so we can notify those impacted and put any required support measures in place.
"We apologise that this incident occurred, but no victim of crime should be discouraged from coming forward to the police.
"We remain committed to tackling crime and seeking justice for victims."
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