SPECIALIST software was used to protect valuable business data, after it was stolen during a burglary in Keighley.

Oliver Kilburn, who lives in Riddlesden and works for Guiseley-based firm Companion Stairlifts, lost his work iPad when his home was raided.

The criminals made off with his car, a Volvo XC90 and his girlfriend's vehicle, a Fiat Picanto, as well as other electrical and personal items.

Mr Kilburn's iPad, containing important business information relating to his company's work, had been in his car when it was taken.

However, he has now praised the swift response from the business telecoms and IT providers firm, responsible for previously installing mobile management and tracking software on the iPad.

He said: “After the shock of waking up and coming to terms with the fact our home had been broken into, I realised the thieves had also unintentionally stolen my work iPad which was in my car at the time.

"I therefore contacted CCS Mobile, who were able to immediately safeguard our business data and provide information to the police on the location of my iPad and one of our cars.

“Data theft is of paramount importance to our company, Companion Stairlifts.

"It was only through the foresight and quick response of the CCS team that we were able to ensure the security of our business database wasn’t compromised.”

The theft took place late last year, and thanks to the monitored location and data from the iPad police were able to find and recover Mr Kilburn's girlfriend's car.

His work iPad had been equipped with software called SOTI MobiControl, which can track lost or stolen devices and enable them to be remotely locked and wiped.

Chris Lee, managing director of CCS Mobile, said: “We've been working with Companion Stairlifts to provide them with telecoms and IT solutions.

"With a national customer base and a growing sales team, Companion Stairlifts required something that would provide staff with on-the-move access to the company’s database and allow managers to efficiently manage devices, track their location and have peace of mind that business information was safe and secure."

Jordan O’Connor, sales engineer manager at SOTI, said: “We're delighted the use of our software helped assist the police investigation and provided Oliver and his company with the certainty that their business data was protected.

"Using SOTI MobiControl the police and CCS had full access to the iPad’s live geographical status and were able to send out customised screen messages, as well as remotely lockdown and wipe sensitive information from the device.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Although one of the two vehicles taken in this burglary has since been recovered, we remain keen to trace the outstanding vehicle, a black Volvo XC60.

“Enquiries suggest this was last seen in Shipley heading towards Leeds in the early hours of December 7.

“Anyone able to assist with this investigation is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13170570890.

“Information can also be reported anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”