Spring Hill residents, keep an eye on your mail. Mr. Grinch is out to steal your Christmas gifts.
According to Deputy Smith of the Hernando County Sheriff's Department, a heavy-set white male, often accompanied by a blonde white female, drives around residential neighborhoods in a large red pick-up truck sniffing out his next target. This time of year, it is common for customers of Waste Management Services to leave cash tips in envelopes for sanitation workers. Having successfully lifted an estimated $1,500 - $2,000 from trash cans, he has taken to opening mail and searching for cash.
The most recent crime report was this morning, approximately 10:30am, on Drayton Drive.
Deputy Smith made the following recommendations for residents to protect themselves from theft:
- Do not leave cash for sanitation workers. Give it to them directly.
- Collect your mail as soon as it is delivered, especially packages.
- Never leave mail in your mailbox over night. Put it out in the morning.
- Never mail cash.
- Report crimes to the sheriff's department immediately.
Opening another person's mail is a federal offense. This includes taking letters, packages, postcards, or any other mail items from mail boxes (called Obstruction of Correspondence). Each offense carries a sentence of up to three years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
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