Garda stations to get shredders in security revamp

Paper shredders are to be provided to dozens of nationwide garda stations in a major security revamp, it emerged today.

An Garda Siochana has invited tenders for the supply and delivery of the hi-tech machines to destroy unwanted confidential documents about suspects and investigations.

The Finance and Procurement section at Garda HQ in Dublin’s Phoenix Park will vet all applications after the proposed March 20 deadline and then award the contract to the most suitable firm.

Document fraud has increased in recent years and Garda chiefs are aware that sensitive documents in local stations, including personal details of officers, must be filed securely or safely destroyed.

Former Garda Fraud Squad officer and AXA’s fraud investigations manager Willie McGee said: “Most firms have a shredding policy for destroying important documents and I presume the Garda is professionalising its operations in this manner like any business.”

Mr McGee said householders should also use EU-certified shredders to dispose of personal bank statements or credit card bills in case they get into the wrong hands.

“Criminals raiding wheelie bins or posing as cleaners in apartment blocks have accessed information to enable them to clone credit cards or pilfer bank accounts in the past,” he added.