Document shredding will be available on Saturday, with proceeds benefitting the local Nanaimo Crimestoppers. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

shred it, don't store it

‘Identity theft is a huge issue:’ Nanaimo shredding event helping to safely dispose of sensitive material

Sep 4, 2025 | 4:06 PM

NANAIMO — The local branch of Crimestoppers is offering an easy way to dispose of sensitive documents.

The organization is again hosting a shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 6, in the parking lot of the Country Grocer at Dufferin Cres. and Bowen Rd., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said for a recommended donation of $20 per box, a professional document shredding company will safely dispose of your materials on site.

“They have a five-tonne truck and a technician who is on site all day. We have Crimestoppers volunteers who will go to your vehicle, pick up your documents and you can watch as they go over to a bin and it’s loaded into the truck and it’s disposed of safely. Nobody has any eyes on it, no one’s reading your documents.”

O’Brien noted discounts would be available for larger quantities.

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He added safely getting rid of sensitive documents is a simple step people can take to avoid having their identity stolen and life upended.

“Identity theft is a huge issue, not only in our community but worldwide. Criminals are hoping people will have these documents, and all it takes is a copy of your driver’s license, possibly a SIN number, and they can walk into a bank and open a line of credit.”

Donations collected through the shredding, or from the BBQ also being run on location, will go back to the Crimestoppers program and the different organizations they work with.

O’Brien said some money is used for administrative fees and training, but they pass on as much as possible.

“A lot of years, we’ve been donating it to other non-profits; last year was RCMP Victim Services out of Oceanside. We haven’t decided where it’s going to go this year, but it will certainly be going towards a deserving program.”

Organizers note the event will go ahead rain or shine.

Staff from Record Xpress will be on hand to safely dispose of old or sensitive documents and paperwork. (Nanaimo RCMP)

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by Alex Rawnsley

‘Identity theft is a huge issue:’ Nanaimo shredding event helping to safely dispose of sensitive material

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