Flags wave outside the Whitehorse RCMP building. CKRW File Photo.
WHITEHORSE, YT – The Whitehorse RCMP have announced a break-in at the Whitehorse Victim Services Office over the weekend and the Justice Department says its co-operating with the RCMP as they investigate.
RCMP say the break-in happened sometime during the evening of Friday, March 15th and the early morning of Saturday, March 16th. They’re asking anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area of Main Street within these times to contact the Whitehorse RCMP Detachment.
The Victim Services Office has confirmed that confidential files and other items have been accessed, and that those who have obtained services through them may be affected by the breach, including other individuals referenced within a victim’s files. The Victim Services Office has also confirmed that cell phones that may contain personal information were also stolen from the site. The Department of Justice says the stolen cellphones have since been disabled, and they are committed to assisting their clients with the financial cost associated with changing their phone numbers.
At this time it is not clear the extent to which confidential information may have been compromised, however Victim Services has confirmed that files types that have been accessed often include individuals’ names, contact information and birthdates, as well as information about legal proceedings. The office says its staff will reach out directly to affected individuals if there is any case of confirmed risk of significant harm resulting from the breach.
In her response, Yukon’s Minister of Justice Tracy-Anne McPhee says she deeply regrets the serious concerns this crime will create within the community and she urged those who may wish to speak to the Privacy Commissioner about their rights to do so via the Yukon Ombudsman’s Office. Minister McPhee adds it is the top priority of the Justice Department to work with the affected individual to address their concerns, and has committed to reviewing the security protocols of Victim Services to ensure the security of information held by them in the future.
The Victim Services office will be closed Monday, March 18th and Tuesday, March 19th, as staff work to complete an inventory of their records and determine the extent of the breach.
