Protect yourself from ID theft by shredding documents

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houstonians took a step to protect themselves against identity theft by safely shredding their personal documents Saturday.

The city has teamed up with Data Shredding Services of Texas to provide sites where people can dispose of sensitive documents that shouldn't be tossed in the trash.

Saturday's event was held at the Houston Police Department Westside Station on South Dairy Ashford.

One pile of papers after another were handed over for shredding Saturday.

"Mostly credit card solicitation," Nancy Radecki said, telling us what she was having shredded. "Old credit cards, that kind of thing.

The city and DSS are providing this free service in hopes of curbing crimes like identity theft.

"People need to realize dumpster diving is the number one cause of identity theft now," said Scott Degrassi with DSS.

DSS estimates it will shred 20,000 to 30,000 pounds of documents this weekend alone, even allowing people to watch as their documents are securely destroyed.

"We have a shredder at home. It's just easier bringing it here," patron Katherine Bell said.

This was the first of many upcoming shredding events across Houston. They will be held monthly at different locations through August. Each event is a chance to protect yourself from crime.

If you were unable to make it Saturday, check out one of the following locations on the dates listed: May 19, 10am-2pm: HPD North Station, 9455 West Montgomery Rd. - Houston 77088June 23, 9am-1pm: Kingwood METRO Park and Ride, 3210 West Lake Houston Pkwy. - Kingwood 77339July 28, 9am-1pm: HPD Eastside Station, 7525 Sherman - Houston 77012August 11, 9am-1pm: HPD Clear Lake Station, 2855 Bay Area Blvd. - Houston 77058(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Free help with document shredding, medicine disposal

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- You may have some things around your house that you need to get rid of, but you need to make sure they're disposed of properly, and don't end up in the wrong hands.

Bank statements, old tax documents, maybe receipts you've been meaning to throw away -- what do you have lying around with personal information on it? The city of Houston wants to help you get rid of all those sensitive documents safely. You can do this for free.

Any sensitive documents containing personal information such as your Social Security number, your birthday, employer information, bills and even pre-approved credit card applications shouldn't be just thrown in the trash. The mayor's office is spearheading this initiative, with the help of Data Shredding Services of Texas, to keep your important and personal information out of the hands of criminals.

Nelson Espitia with the city of Houston explained, "People go through the trash. I understand there was a story recently about people .... getting a hold of people's money orders and making copies. The next thing you know, your Social Security number is being used for something you didn't even know of."

You can take your documents Saturday morning to the Houston police Westside Substation on Dairy Ashford for shredding. The service is free and will be available from 10am to 2pm. There will be additional document shredding events throughout the summer, at HPD stations around the city.

On the same day, the DEA will help take any unused or expired prescription drugs off your hands. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28 from 10am to 2pm This is a great opportunity for those who missed the previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications.

The service is free, anonymous and open to all. All tablets, capsules and solid dosage forms will be collected.

Six HPD locations will participate: Kingwood - 3915 Rustic Woods Drive - Kingwood 77339Northeast - 8301 Ley Road - Houston 77028South Central - 2202 Saint Emanuel - Houston 77003Westside - 3203 South Dairy Ashford Road - Houston 77082Southeast - 8300 Mykawa Road - Houston 77048Clear Lake - 2855 Bay Area Boulevard - Houston 77058

For more locations, check the DEA website.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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