How To Avoid Package Pirates Around Tampa.. Ship to the Sheriff

TAMPA -- Here's a new way to stop people from stealing Christmas packages off your porch or doorstep... ship them to the cops!

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister's "Operation Pinch a Grinch" allows county residents to have packages shipped to two of his offices... one for east county and one for west county... which they can then pick up using a photo ID and a tracking number or other proof of purchase.

The two pick up locations will be open seven days a week, November 9th through December 21st. Weekday hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Weekend hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Chronister says his office received 274 reports of package thefts last Christmas, with losses upwards of $76,000.

For those who choose to receive packages at their home address, the sheriff says package theft is "a crime of opportunity and convenience." He recommends giving special instructions when you set up shipping options, such as hiding the package in a location near your front door. Other tips include neighbors looking out for neighbors, or installing a doorbell camera.

"We will keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas," Chronister vowed, as he spoke next to packages covered in Grinch-themed gift wrap.

Here are the addresses to enter for shipping your package to the sheriff:

District 3 Office (west county):

7202 Gunn Highway

Tampa FL 33625-3108

District 5 Office (east county):

10128 Windhorst Road

Tampa FL 33619-7826

Photo: Getty Images


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