As a free service to the community, state Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, will co-host a shredding event to give residents of the 183rd Legislative District a chance to safeguard themselves against identity theft by having their personal documents securely destroyed.

The event, co-hosted with the Borough of Northampton, will be held 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 7 at Northampton Banquet & Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave.

“Unfortunately, identity theft is a common and fast-growing crime,” Mako said. “The best way to protect oneself is to safely discard personal documents. I’m hoping through these events, we can help stop identity theft in its tracks.”

Acceptable items include all paper and manila folders. No more than four bags or boxes per household are permitted, and businesses are asked not to participate in this event. Staples or paper clips do not need to be removed.

Examples of items that can be brought to the event include documents that contain personal information, including birth dates, Social Security numbers, bank account information and credit card numbers.

A certificate of destruction will be available upon request. It will be issued after your documents have been shredded.

Information also will be provided about consumer protection and identity theft at the events.

For more information, contact Mako’s offices at 610-502-2701 or 610-760-9805 or visit his website at repmako.com.

The 183rd Legislative District includes parts of Whitehall and South Whitehall townships, Washington Township and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County and Allen and Lehigh townships, parts of Moore Township and North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County.