Taps into data and nicks stuff (7)

I believe the answer is:

filches

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'nicks stuff' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'taps into data' is the wordplay.
'taps' becomes 'C H' (cold and hot taps).
'into' is an insertion indicator.
'data' becomes 'files' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'ch' placed into 'files' is 'FILCHES'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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