Revised - Confidential files and other items, including cell phones, were accessed during a break-in that occurred at the Whitehorse Victim Services offices between last Friday evening and Saturday morning.

The Yukon government issued that public notice on Monday afternoon.

Whitehorse RCMP are investigating the break-in. It’s unclear what information may have been compromised.

“We deeply regret that this crime will cause serious concerns for members of our community,” said Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

“We are taking steps to ensure the safety of our clients and are actively co-operating with the RCMP’s criminal investigation to determine who is responsible and bring them to justice.”

Her department officials are following the appropriate procedures to respond to the privacy breach affecting confidential files that contain sensitive personal information.

“Individuals who have obtained services through Victim Services may be affected, as may other individuals who may be referenced in victims’ files,” the government said in a statement.

“It is still unclear the extent to which confidential information may have been compromised.

“Files that may have been accessed often include individuals’ names, contact information and birthdates, as well as information about legal proceedings.

“Some such files contain additional personal information, as do some cell phones that were stolen.”

The Victim Services offices will remain closed until next Monday “to allow staff to continue to conduct a proper assessment, identify what information may have been accessed, determine if there are specific risks to individuals and contact impacted individuals directly,” the government said Tuesday afternoon.

“During the office closure, Victim Services staff continue to support their clients in the normal course of business, such as providing support during court proceedings and meeting with clients off-site. It is just the physical office space that remains closed to the public to support the space required for a large-scale records inventory.”

The government said Monday, “In cases where staff are able to ascertain that a specific file has been accessed and that this raises a risk of significant harm, Victim Services staff will make best efforts based on contact information available to us to reach out directly to particularly impacted individuals where there is a significant risk of harm.

“The trust our clients place in us to obtain our services safely and confidentially is one of the things we value most, and we deeply regret the impacts this crime may have had on anyone who has accessed services or whose personal information is included in our files.”

The government added that staff “understand that that those potentially affected may have serious concerns about their personal information having been accessed and how this information could potentially be used to cause significant harm, such as initiating unwanted contact, attempting identity theft, or attempting to cause reputational damage.”

The phone line for Victim Services (667-8500) is being staffed as normal during the building’s closure.

Staff are available to discuss callers’ specific questions and provide available support as appropriate.

“For example, staff are able to assist with covering the financial cost of changing phone numbers for anyone whose contact information has been affected by this privacy breach and has concerns about their safety,” the government said.

“Our top priority at this time is responding to the specific concerns of those who may have been affected.

Cell phones that were stolen have been disabled.

“The Department of Justice will review security protocols and other measures to strengthen the security of information held in Victim Services offices to protect those who rely on being able to safely and discreetly access supports suited to their unique needs,” the government said.

“It is not clear what information may have been compromised,” the RCMP said.

If victims are concerned about the security/privacy of their information, they can call Victim Services with any questions.

Police are seeking information from the public. If anyone observed any suspicious activity in the area of Main Street in Whitehorse last Friday evening or Saturday morning, he or she is asked to contact police at 667-5555.

The break-in was not raised in question period by the opposition parties Monday or Tuesday.

However, Annie Blake, the MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin and the NDP critic for health and justice, said in a statement Tuesday the break-in “has me deeply concerned for the survivors who trusted that their information would be kept safe and confidential, and for the staff who work with these vulnerable Yukoners.

“The scale of the damage is just as concerning because Victim Services works with Yukoners of all ages, from all walks of life, in all Yukon communities,” Blake said.

“Survivors come to Victim Services because they’re dealing with serious trauma. It’s hard enough just to share your story in a safe space. To then have your story stolen brings a second trauma that calls for direct action.”

Blake said she wants to know “what the government is doing to reach survivors whose information was stolen and for the staff at Victim Services who work on their behalf.

“What’s happening to identify the supports they need, and what’s being done to get them that help when and where they need it?”