This is something I've made mention of here in Oz... to various doctors surgeries, banks and social security, etc. For the most part it fell on deaf ears... and those who were prepared to listen, well in most cases their hands were tied by employers and/or bureaucratic red tape. So now, if I think somebody needs photo copies of anything, I generally make my own at home and take them with me. Still, if they decide to copy my copies at a later point, my security measures are nevertheless undone, aren't they!
You'd think, though, with identity theft running rampant, you'd think those responsible for these machines would be especially careful, and if not, be liable for any security breaches. As far as the Buffalo PD goes, and the data on its discarded machines, what about the vigilante type groups and lynch mobs who are keen to gain information on offenders (alleged or otherwise) to administer their own kind of justice?? That kind of security neglect could quite easily lead to dangerous situations and possibly innocent people getting hurt, or worse.
On a lighter note: think about how many Xeroxed backsides and boobies there'd be floating around on discarded office copiers. 
Now there's an idea for a business venture... go 'round and collect all those bum and boob images and turn them into cash, via DVD's and books, etc.
