Orange County, FL – Residents across Orlando and surrounding communities are being urged to take extra precautions this holiday season to avoid attracting thieves, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, leaving large gift boxes — such as packaging from televisions, gaming consoles, or computers — at the curb can signal to criminals that high-value items may be inside a home. To help reduce that risk, officials have opened multiple Burglary Box disposal locations across the county through Thursday, January 9.
The specially marked dumpsters allow residents to safely discard packaging from expensive gifts without advertising recent purchases. Locations are spread across multiple areas of Orange County, including Orlando, Apopka, Ocoee, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Northwest Orange County locations include the OCSO Sector 1 Sub-Station on North Rock Springs Road in Apopka and the Sector 3 Sub-Station on West Story Road in Ocoee. East Orange County sites are available at the East Orange Community Center on East Colonial Drive and the LaQuinta Inn on Research Parkway in Orlando.
Additional drop-off locations are available in west and central Orange County, including Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church on South Apopka Vineland Road, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office headquarters on West Colonial Drive, Sedano’s Supermarket on South Orange Blossom Trail, and the Winn-Dixie on South Apopka Vineland Road.
The Sheriff’s Office also shared holiday safety tips for shoppers and homeowners, including asking delivery companies to place packages out of view, never leaving valuables visible inside vehicles, and remaining alert while shopping.
Residents are encouraged to use the free service while supplies last and to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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