To protect Hillsborough County residents from package theft during the quickly approaching holiday season, Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the launch of “Operation Pinch-A-Grinch” on Monday, October 19, a service allowing citizens to have their online orders shipped directly to select Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office District Offices.
“Online shopping is easy, just point, click, buy, and your package is delivered,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This year, with the coronavirus impacting in-store shopping, even more people will be shopping online.”
Historically, due to an increase in package deliveries, the holiday season brings an increase in package thefts as well. In 2019, there were 274 reports of package theft in Hillsborough County, which amounted to more than $76,000 in losses to the victims.
“Operation Pinch-A-Grinch is simple. When checking out online, just enter your name and our district address for delivery," explained Sheriff Chronister.
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.
For residents who shop on smile.amazon.com 0.5% of their purchase can be donated to HCSO Charities.
“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.
A PSA about Operation Pinch-A-Grinch has been shared on HCSO’s social media platforms. To watch the video message, click here.
For more information on Operation Pinch-A-Grinch, visit www.teamhcso.com/PinchAGrinch