RICHMOND, Va. – What better way to ring in two new branches than to help members fight identity theft? Virginia Credit Union recently sponsored free shredding events at two new locations in Colonial Heights and Mechanicsville. Cintas Shredding, a document destruction company, shredded up to three boxes of paper per person. The credit union also provided information on how members can protect themselves from identity theft, which is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Destruction of outdated personal documents is just one simple way to avoid becoming a victim. The Federal Trade Commission reports identity theft topped the list of consumer complaints in 2005. "At Virginia Credit Union we inform, educate, and advise our members to help them get ahead financially," said Virginia CU President/CEO Jane Watkins. "Sharing information about identity theft is part of our mission in serving our members and community."