HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The holiday season brings an increase in online shopping, and historically, a rise in package thefts as well. Due to the ongoing pandemic, many people are opting to have holiday gifts shipped to their front door this year.
To combat package theft, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is launching a new program that will allow residents to have their online orders shipped directly to two of its five district offices. Deputies will accept and safeguard packages until residents can pick them up during designated hours. The service will be provided at no cost to community members.
Beginning November 9 through December 21, 2020, Hillsborough County residents can have their online orders shipped to HCSO’s District 3 Office, located at 7202 Gunn Highway in Tampa, or District 5 Office, located at 10128 Windhorst Road in Tampa, where a deputy will accept and safeguard items until residents can pick them up.
“We understand that many within our community have very busy schedules, from working to taking their children to school to caring for their families,” said Sheriff Chronister, “That is why we are offering a wide range of convenient pick-up hours.”
Package distribution times will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. A deputy at the front desk of each of the two district offices will be available to assist.
Residents must have a government-issued photo identification card and an order tracking number in order to accept their packages. Packages must be less than 50 lbs.
“I am very excited to launch Operation Pinch-A-Grinch, and I hope that by working together and encouraging members of our community to take advantage of this new program, we will keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas here in Hillsborough County,” said Sheriff Chronister.
“If you see a suspicious vehicle or person in your neighborhood or something that seems at a place immediately contact law enforcement. I’m extremely excited to launch operation Pinch-A-Grinch and hope that by working together, and to encourage the members of our community to take advantage of this program, we will keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas here in Hillsborough County,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
To learn more visit: https://www.teamhcso.com/Section/6d5fb2ac-32df-410c-bd47-6feea10c8111/PinchAGrinch
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