IT’S HI-DI-HEIST!

BUTLIN’S has been hit by a massive data breach with the records of up to 34,000 guests hacked.

The holiday camp chain admitted files had been targeted as part of a huge phishing scam.

Bosses have assured guests that payment details are secure.

However news of the data leak has sparked fears from security experts that guests could be targeted by burglars while enjoying seaside escapes.

Raj Samani, chief scientist at software security giant McAfee, said: “Those heading to Butlin’s this summer are probably very excited for their holiday by the seaside.

“But this news will likely put a dampener on things.

“While the hackers don’t seem to have got their hands on financial information, they’ve managed to access a huge amount of personal information which can create a clear picture of an individual.

“They will also know who is away from home which can put the physical safety of homes at risk.”

The holiday company has insisted that no financial details were accessed in the breach. Managing director Dermot King said: “I would like to reassure guests that no financial data has been compromised.

“Butlin’s take the security of our guest data very seriously and have improved our security processes.”

A spokeswoman for the Information Commissioner’s Office said: “Butlin’s has made us aware of an incident and we will be making inquiries.”

There are three Butlin’s holiday camp sites in England – Skegness in Lincolnshire, Bognor Regis in West Sussex and Minehead in Somerset.

The Star Says: Page 6