North Carolina officials have warned about 26,000 retired government employees that their Social Security numbers may have been exposed to public view in an apparent security breach made in January.

The N.C. Department of Sate Treasurer this month advised beneficiaries to remain vigilant for signs of identity theft that could result from the "data security incident."

"We are notifying you so you can take action along with our vendor's efforts to minimize or eliminate potential harm," the letter states. "A victim's personal information is sometimes held for use or shared among a group of thieves at different times."

You shred your leaves in the fall so why not sensitive documents as well?

A host of shred-a-thons are planned around the state this month, beginning with several on Saturday in the Triangle.

The idea is to protect yourself from identity theft by bringing pre-approved credit card offers, old bills, out-of-date account statements and any other documents that  have personal information. (It's also a great way to reduce your waste and recyle.)

“By shredding old documents, you keep them out of the hands of identity thieves who could use the information to run up debts in your name,” said Attorney General Roy Cooper.

The shred-a-thons are being promoted by the state's Attorney General office, the Better Business Bureau, banks civics groups and shredding companies.

Here are those planned for the Triangle.

If the flat spaces in your home are overflowing with pre-approved credit card offers, old bills, out-of-date statements and various bits of junk mail, take advantage of one of the various shred-a-thons planned across the state this month.

Starting Saturday and running through May 1, 29 free shredding events are planned in 21 North Carolina communities, including Raleigh, Cary, Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Elizabeth City and Calabash.

N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper's office has a complete list of events here, and Cooper is encouraging residents to take advantage of the free shredding.

“If you’re doing some spring cleaning, don’t just toss out documents that include your personal financial information,” Cooper said in a statement.  “A trash bag of old bank statements and bills can be a jackpot for an identity thief.”