shredding filesLee County Clerk Kevin Karnes is hosting a free document shredding event to help community members keep their personal information safe.

The Big Shred will take place from 12 noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 at the Estero Recreation Center located at 9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard. It is a convenient way for citizens to securely dispose of their confidential records.

Identity theft is a common problem and occurs when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. Thieves can gather this kind of information through trash, which is why it’s so important to properly dispose of documents.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States,” Karnes said. “As Lee County’s official record keeper, the Clerk’s office goes to great lengths to ensure personal information is protected in your public records and we want to help you do everything you can to keep your confidential information at home safe.”

To take part in The Big Shred, all you have to do is drive up and hand off your confidential documents to a Clerk team member, who will then walk them to the on-site shredding truck for secure disposal.

Documents must be in a box, and there is a limit of three per car. No plastic bags or electronics will be accepted.

For more information about the Clerk’s office, visit www.leeclerk.org.