Shred It event keeps identities safe

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - One of the fastest growing crimes is identity theft. Crime Stoppers along with the Carmel Police Department are doing their part to help keep residents' identities safe, but they're also raising money for a good cause.

“It’s good for the community and we get rid of all our old documents," says Deffen Baughn, who donated money. "We closed a business seven years ago and we have seven years of documents,” 

A line of cars carrying people's most sacred information and it's all being shredded just for a simple donation. The money raised will help fund Crime Stoppers.

24-Hour News 8's own Julian Grace was there to help raise money for the cause.

“I see that it works, I think it's very important for people to come out and see what a difference they can make with just the donations, $5, it helps us pay tipsters because we don't get a lot of funding,” explains Laura DeMougin who volunteers for Crime Stoppers.

The Shred It event is the largest fundraiser for Crime Stoppers, the Director of the community based organization says. They try not to set a goal for the event, but every year they seem to raise even more.

“Crime Stoppers is phenomenal organization, it's the police public and the press all working together, it's basically community policing and we take anonymous tips and we forward them to the law enforcement agencies,” says the Scott Teagartin, the Director of Crime Stoppers.

This year it wasn't just documents - people also brought in expired prescription drugs and unwanted electronics, but for some, the main reason they came was to make a difference.

“I'm very impressed with them and I want to give my community,” explain Loren Marley who donated to Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers also partnered with Goodwill to donate the electronics and the DEA to get rid of expired prescription drugs. Saturday’s event was held at six locations throughout Central Indiana, but the most popular spot is the Carmel location at St Vincent’s.