Identity theft seems to be an all-too-common issue these days, but a statewide partnership coinciding with National Consumer Protection Week is helping make the thieves’ jobs a little harder.

The tenth annual statewide Community Shred Days will be held at six locations statewide. Vicksburg residents have the opportunity to participate Saturday at The Home Depot beginning at 7:30 a.m.

“Shred days are intended to raise community awareness to the risks of identity theft and to provide Mississippi citizens free access to document shredding,” Attorney General Jim Hood said. “We encourage Mississippians to join us in taking an important step to protect their personal information used by identity thieves.”

The event provides the opportunity for consumers to shred their personal documents at no charge, a service provided courtesy of the Iron Mountain, Premiere Shredding and Shred-It companies.

Consumers may bring up to three bags or boxes of sensitive documents to be shredded. The event is a first-come, first-serve service and will not accept any businesses. Hood said simple things such as taking out the garbage can expose people to identity theft, adding consumers should shred receipts, pre-approved credit offers or convenience checks that haven’t been used.

“Since we began this partnership, we have helped Mississippi consumers shred over 459,000 pounds of paper containing personal information,” Hood said.

“We have no doubt this partnership and the hard work of our volunteers has saved many Mississippians from becoming victims of identity theft.” For more information about the event or about protecting your identity, visit www.agjimhood.com or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 601-359-4230.