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Hillsborough Sheriff launches 'Operation Pinch-A-Grinch' to protect your holiday packages

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Posted at 10:16 AM, Oct 19, 2020
and last updated 2021-11-08 05:29:19-05

TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced a new program on Monday that will help protect holiday packages from would-be thieves in the county.

The program, dubbed "Operation Pinch-A-Grinch," lets people who live in the county have packages shipped to two of HCSO's district offices where they can be picked up later.

“I am very excited to launch Operation Pinch-A-Grinch,” Chronister said. “I hope that by working together and encouraging our community to take advantage of this new program, we will keep the grinch from stealing Christmas here in Hillsborough County."

The program starts November 9 and lasts through December 21.

According to HCSO's website, packages can't weigh more than 50 pounds and recipients have to live in Hillsborough. Packages that are severely damaged will not be accepted or signed for by deputies.

The two districts where packages can be sent are District III or District V.

Example of address formatting:

  • District III
    • [Recipient Name]
    • c/o Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
    • 7202 Gunn Highway
    • Tampa, FL 33625
  • District V
    • [Recipient Name]
    • c/o Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
    • 10128 Windhorst Road
    • Tampa, FL 33619

A valid photo ID is required for package pick-up, as well as an order receipt or proof of packages shipment.

Click here for more information.