BSIA announces nationwide ‘Shredded, Sorted’ event

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has announced the launch of a new nationwide event, in partnership with Crimestoppers, to help members of the public to dispose of their personal information safely and securely using professional services.

Taking place at the beginning of October, National Shred Day is an opportunity to safely dispose of confidential waste for a nominal donation using the services of the BSIA Information Destruction (ID) members across a full list of the venues, stretching from Scotland to the Westcountry.

The event is taking place over multiple locations with the assistance of Morrison’s supermarkets on Saturday 2 October at 9.00am, and members of the public will be able to bring along as much as they wish to dispose of, including lever arch files, paper documents and boxes of statements, which will be securely shredded on-site before being baled and recycled into paper and tissue products.

Under the theme of ‘Shredded, sorted’, National Shred Day aims to raise awareness of the potential risk of fraud if personal information is not disposed of effectively.

Kristian Carter, Chairman of the BSIA’s Information Destruction section and Commercial Director of Shred Station, said: “No matter how well you may think you’ve shredded your personal information and confidential waste at home it is not 100% safe from thieves.  Over lockdown many small companies and independent traders will have stored up a considerable amount and often small shredders will not be sufficient enough to dispose of it safely. 

“It is essential now more than ever that confidential documented information on people and businesses is destroyed securely to avoid the possibility of fraud occurring, and the BSIA’s ID companies play a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality with all kinds of paper data. For a small donation you can dispose of your data securely and professionally and be assured that they won’t get their hands on your personal information.”  

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “I know that many of us – from businesses to people – have kept too much personal information as a result of lockdowns and the pandemic, especially with people working from home. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to protect yourself by safely disposing of your or other’s personal information – and at the same time help raise valuable funds for Crimestoppers and our important work locally. I’d also like to say a big thank you to BSIA for supporting our charity.”

All donations will go towards regional projects carried out by Crimestoppers.

For more information visit www.bsia.co.uk/national-shred-day