OREGON COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM H&R BLOCK OFFICEKOIN.com: Local News, Weather, Sports, Entertainment and Health Tax Season Brings Break-In At H&R Block
Eric Taylor, KOIN News 6

PORTLAND -- Thieves are taking advantage of tax season. Someone broke into an H&R Block office, stealing computer servers and desktops.

The burglary happened at the H&R Block office on Southeast Stark Street in January. The thieves worked quickly before police arrived.

The break in meant a big disruption for the people who work and function at this office and also has customers concerned about their personal information - who has it and who can access it.

Heather Curry is picking up her taxes but a recent break-in at the H&R Block has her concerned.

"I think it is awful. I can't believe anyone would go and do that. You know that's privacy, that is people's life," Curry said.

When thieves broke into the office they set off the alarm and police responded.

"In this case officers were on the scene in less than two minutes," Portland Police Sgt. Brian Schmautz said.

But that wasn't fast enough. According to a police report, two computer servers, two desktop computers, a printer, credit card machines, $100 in cash and blank checks were all taken.

And this isn't the first time an H&R Block has been hit.

Last year customers were concerned when an office in Salem had computers stolen as well.

Customer computer files from H&R Block we are told, are encrypted and that it would take someone from the inside or someone very sophisticated to access them. Problem is identity thieves can be very computer savvy.

"Many of them have nothing to do all night long but use drugs, engage in criminal activity and hack people's computers," Schmautz said.

No one from H&R Block would appear on camera but we are told customers have been notified and that they have taken precautions to keep the thieves from cashing in on what they carried out so quickly.

Even if you don't go to a tax preparer, identity theft is a huge problem during tax time. Here are some important facts that can help you prevent becoming a victim.

Don't put your tax forms in your mailbox. Police say that's an open invitation to steal your information. Take them directly to the post office.

And when your mail is delivered, pick it up as soon as possible.