COUNTY INTRODUCES “SHRED MOBILE” TO HELP FIGHT IDENTITY THEFT
New paper-shredder truck available for destroying personal papers

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Westchester is taking a stand against identity theft -- the county has purchased a paper-shredder truck to help residents destroy unwanted personal papers and documents with personal identifying information.

The new “Shred Mobile” has been introduced at several recycling events -- demand has the shredder truck has so far exceeded expectations.  It will available for use at most county Household Chemical Clean-Up Day events held throughout the year and at municipal and senior center 'shred-a-thons.'

“Old documents and bills are a gold mine for identity thieves,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “Shredding is a great way to protect yourself from becoming a victim.”

One of the best ways to minimize the risk of identity theft is to shred all documents no longer in use that have personal identifying information such as name, address, phone number, credit card number or Social Security number. Such documents should be shredded before they are thrown out in the garbage.

Among the documents that should be shredded before disposal are pre-approved credit card applications, old credit card bills and receipts, expired credit cards and driver licenses, old utility bills, and junk mail that contains residents’ names, addresses and other identifying information.

This free public service is intended for the use of residents to shred their personal documents. Papers from businesses or commercial enterprises will not be accepted. Residents should also be prepared to wait as long lines, which occurred at the last event, are again expected this Saturday.

To speed up the process, residents must remove all metal clips, fasteners, binders, folders and hard covers and place the papers loosely in a box. Hard covers – cardboard or plastic covers on items such as ledger books, marble composition books and hard-cover books – are not acceptable. Residents may rip away pages from these hard cover books for shredding and throw the covers in their household trash.

Municipal departments and non-profit organizations who want to schedule a ‘shred-a-thon’ should call the county’s Recycling Office at 813-5420.