'Shred-a-Thon' to Help Islanders Avoid Identity Theft

As part of the 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week, Aquidneck Island residents can bring confidential documents to the  tomorrow, March 8, between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m., to be securely shredded.  

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and the Middletown Police Department are hosting the “shred-a-thon” event.

The Middletown Police Department urges everyone to participate in the program.

“Identity theft crimes are an ever-increasing problem for law enforcement and the people we serve,” said Middletown Police Chief Anthony Pesare. “Criminals have become proficient in obtaining personal information from materials people discard and using that information to commit crimes.”

Pesare said the event provides an opportunity to eliminate that threat by securely shredding documents, which contain confidential information.  

“It is very important that consumers are well-informed and proactive so that they can protect themselves from fraud,” said Attorney General Kilmartin. “Year-round, our office helps to educate Rhode Island consumers so they can better protect their privacy, manage finances, prevent identity theft and avoid scams and frauds.

Kilmartin said one of the best ways consumers can safeguard their personal information is to shred documents that contain sensitive information.

This year, the Attorney General is also partnering with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in asking the public to bring a non-perishable food item when they drop off their documents.

The shred-a-thons are free and open to the public. All consumers are invited to drop off up to two “banker boxes” of confidential documents for shredding.

The secure shredding service is provided by Doc Shredding. Their securely locked trucks will be at the shred-a-thon events. Consumers can load their documents on the truck and will receive a “certificate of destruction” from Doc Shredding Corp., which certifies that all confidential materials collected will be handled and destroyed with the highest degree of security. Materials will be transported back to Doc Shredding Corp.’s secure facility to be shredded to a fine confetti and baled on a large plant-based shredder.

This offers the same level of security and confidentiality as mobile shredding, but is a “greener” option than having a truck running continuously.

“We are very excited to once again work with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office in helping Rhode Islanders safely dispose of confidential documents,” said Brian Johnson, President of Doc Shredding Corp. “Too many people simply throw away documents that contain sensitive information, like bills and receipts. Shredding these documents is a simple step consumers can take to safeguard their identity and personal information, and we are proud to be part of this important series of events.”