Crime Stoppers of Halton, in partnership with Blue-Pencil Information Management, recently held a Shred Event on May 25, 2019 to help combat identity theft and related fraud.
Residents from throughout Halton Region came out primed and ready to feed Blue-Pencil's secure mobile shredder with old and unwanted documents.
Nadine Clarke, Halton Crime Stopper's Police Coordinator, said the turnout and participation exceeded expectations.
"Within an hour, Blue Pencil had to dispatch a second truck to handle the volume of shredding." Clarke said. "Over 500 residents and business owners came out to safely and securely dispose of documents, and through their generosity helped raise over $10,000 to support Crime Stoppers on-going community engagement and tip reward activities."
"This was a huge success for everyone involved," Clarke continued.
Mario Skopek, President, Blue-Pencil Information Management reported that the event filled two of their mobile shredding trucks, with just shy of 12-tonnes (over 26,000 pounds) of paper shredded during the four-hour event. "That's a lot of paper!!" Skopek said.
Identity theft remains one of the largest means of fraud with losses running into the billions of dollars.
David Wood, director of Halton Crime Stoppers, reiterated that the event was a great success. "We appreciate Blue-Pencil's partnership for this shred event to help residents of Halton safely and securely dispose of their sensitive and confidential information," Wood said.
He also cautioned that, while anyone can become a victim of identity theft and financial fraud, seniors and the elderly can be particularly vulnerable.
"When thinking about the secure disposal of your own sensitive personal documents, please also consider helping your family and friends protect themselves," continued Mr. Wood.
Items such as:
- cancelled cheques
- banking, tax, and other financial records
- old letterhead
- invoices
- copies of job applications
- anything containing personal information
These should never be placed into regular garbage or recycling streams.
In the hands of criminals, these documents can be easily used to obtain credit cards, access bank accounts, obtain passports and other identification, or even to obtain a mortgage on your home without your knowledge until it's too late. Destroying confidential and business documents is the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of fraud.
Halton Crime Stopper's will again partner with Blue-Pencil Information Management for their next shred event on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Halton Police Headquarters. Follow Halton Crime Stopper's website (haltoncrimestoppers.ca) and social media feeds for more information.