Free Shredding Event at Citrus Park Mall

Each year Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office handles thousands of cases of identity theft. From stolen social security numbers to forged checks, the bottom line is when the wrong information lands in the hands of criminals it can have a devastating affect on the lives of many.

As a way to help the community, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is partnering with ABC Action News and Westfield Citrus Park Mall to provide free document shredding for residents this weekend.

The event titled "Operation Shredding" is scheduled for Saturday June 30 7am-1pm, and is free and open to the public.  The event provides a chance for citizens to professionally destroy sensitive information. 

"The Sheriff's Office realizes that identity theft has become a serious problem that cost victims thousands of dollars," said Debbie Carter, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman. "The Sheriff's Office is doing everything we can to educate citizens in protecting themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft."

This marks the third year the mall has participated in Operation Shredding, said Taylor Clifton, marketing director for Westfield Citrus Park.

"Last year, we hosted at Westfield Brandon, Citrus Park and Countryside and collectively shredded over 100 pounds of paper," Clifton said.

The mall is hoping to beat the Guinness Book of World Records for the most paper shredded at a one-day event. 

Need documents shredded?

What: Operation Shredding

Where: Westfield Citrus Park Mall 8021 Citrus Park Town Center

When: Saturday, June 30, 2012 | 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The shredding event will take place in the parking lot, off Citrus Park Drive at the main entrance of the mall. There is a 5 box limit on shredding.