The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Secure Shred are partnering July 18 to provide residents the opportunity to safely destroy personal documents and learn identity theft prevention tips. At the event, the Sheriff’s Office will also have a deputy available to collect outdated or unwanted prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs.

The drug disposal program is designed to keep unwanted or unused medications out of the hands of abusers, children and animals. In addition, the program is intended to reduce negative environmental impact by using proper disposal practices.

SecureShred, a division of Bend Garbage & Recycling, will be offering on-site document destruction at no cost to the public Saturday, July 18. The event will take place at the Sisters Sheriff’s Office, 703 N Larch in Sisters from Noon to

4:00 p.m.

"We want to make Deschutes County citizens aware of the risks of improper document disposal and of the related problems of identity theft," said Sheriff Larry Blanton.

The event is intended for private residential document shredding and drug disposal, not for business or company disposal. At the event, the Sheriff’s Office will also have an information booth to provide citizens with the information on how to avoid becoming an identity theft victim and what to do if you believe your identity has already been stolen.

No advance document sorting is necessary as shredding equipment can destroy paperwork with paper clips or staples attached. File folders and binders may also be shredded.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue its efforts of providing this service on a quarterly basis at Sheriff’s Offices in Sisters, Terrebonne, Bend and La Pine.