Ready to shred? This event is waiting to help

This paid event listing is sponsored by CrimeStoppers.

Get your boxes or bags of sensitive documents ready, and let this upcoming event do the rest.

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

“It’s so important to dispose of your sensitive documents securely,” said Jessie Schmidt, vice president of the South Dakota region for Better Business Bureau Inc.

“We’re grateful we have shredding partners that hold national certification in document destruction. Identity theft is an awful crime and takes countless hours to rectify. This is an incredible simple, convenient way to protect yourself.” 

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

“Often, we also don’t think to shred canceled checks, if you still receive them, but if they’re not tax-related, they should be shred,” Schmidt said.

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 your car and home titles until you sell them,” Schmidt said. “And in the case of a home, keep your receipts for home 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
• “Some say never dispose of tax returns, but that can be up for debate,” Schmidt said. “Keep them 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 22:

• 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.

Shredding for a cause

When you participate in the shredding event, your suggested donation of $5 per box or bag goes directly to support CrimeStoppers of the Sioux Empire, specifically its tips and rewards fund.

“This is money that goes directly to those individuals that report a trip to CrimeStoppers that leads to the arrest of an individual,” Schmidt said. “It’s a great way to support both holding criminals accountable and crime prevention.”