'Pinch-A-Grinch' Helps Prevent Package Theft In Hillsborough

BLOOMINGDALE — RIVERVIEW, FL — As the holiday season approaches, package theft rises with the increase of package deliveries, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

"Operation Pinch-A-Grinch" launched Monday at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to prevent package theft this holiday season.

Sheriff Chad Chronister is allowing Hillsborough County residents to have their online deliveries mailed to select Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office district locations from Nov. 9 through Dec. 21, officials said.

The mailing addresses are included below:

• HCSO District 3 Office, 7202 Gunn Highway, Tampa
• HCSO District 5 Office, 10128 Windhorst Road, Tampa

A deputy will accept and safeguard items until residents can pick them up, the sheriff said.

“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,” Chronister said.

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.

Remember to include your name on the district address when checking out for delivery.

Packages will not be accepted after Dec. 21, deputies said.