Get the shredding together: Annual event this weekend supports CrimeStoppers

This event listing is sponsored by CrimeStoppers.

Protect your personal information while supporting public safety at an upcoming annual shredding event Saturday.

The annual document shred event from the Better Business Bureau and Sioux Empire CrimeStoppers will be April 26 at four locations in Sioux Falls.

There’s a suggested donation of $5 per box or bag, which supports Sioux Empire CrimeStoppers.

“This donation fuels our annual rewards fund,” said Jesse Callahan, the organization’s board chair. “It’s our primary fundraiser and plays a vital role in sustaining our crime-solving tip program.”

CrimeStoppers plays a key role in area public safety as the only way to anonymously report a tip to law enforcement. Crimes from misdemeanor shoplifting to a homicide have been solved with help from the program.

“Our anonymous tips help solve crimes, while ensuring safety by empowering residents to report fearlessly,” Callahan said.

By partnering with the Better Business Bureau for the annual shred event, “it becomes a win-win,” he added. “Shredding sensitive documents using a certified source like this is an important step to prevent identity theft and protect your personal information.”

What to shred

Individuals and businesses should consider shedding the following:

• Receipts — those that don’t pertain to your taxes.
• ATM receipts.
• Credit card offers.
• Paid credit card statements.
• Paid utility statements.
• Expired warranties.

What to keep

Hold onto pay stubs and bank statements for at least a year before shredding.

For tax-related documents, the magic number is seven years. After that, you can shred:

• Tax-related canceled checks and receipts.
• Records for tax deductions.
• W2s.

Keep titles for your car and home until you sell them. And in the case of a home, keep your receipts for improvements or repairs until you sell the home or pay capital gains.

And never shred the following:

• Birth and death certificates.
• Marriage licenses or divorce decrees.
• Adoption papers.
• Citizenship papers.
• Keep tax returns at least seven years, and ask your accountant if you need further advice.

Where to go

Bring your documents to one of the following locations from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26:

• Roosevelt High School: 41st Street and Sertoma Avenue.
• Lincoln High School: 41st Street and Cliff Avenue.
• Washington High School: Sixth Street and Sycamore Avenue.
• Sioux Falls Christian campus: 69th Street, east of Cliff Avenue.

Stay in your vehicle, and have the items you’d like shredded in your backseat or trunk. Volunteers will take them from there.