Keep Gifts Guarded Through Operation Safe Disposal

After unwrapping the computer, video game console, flat screen TV or other big gift, don't let the box sit out by the curb, that could invite a burglar to see what else is inside.

"It's like window shopping for a thief," Clearwater Police Deputy Chief Sandra Wilson said in a release. "When he or she sees a bunch of boxes at the curb, all they have to do is decide which home has the items they would like. So what you thought was a simple act of taking out the trash actually increases your risk of becoming a burglary victim." 

The Clearwater Police Department is partnering with the city's Solid Waste Department for a second year of Operation Safe Disposal.

Each of the following drop-off locations will have a recycle bin for safe disposal of boxes and packaging from Dec. 24 - Jan. 2:

• Clearwater Police Headquarters, 645 Pierce Street
• Countryside Fire Station 50, 2681 Countryside Blvd.
• Clearwater Beach Recreation Center (by the recycling drop off center), 69 Bay Esplanade Blvd.
• Clearwater Solid Waste/General Services, 1701 N. Hercules Ave.
• Morningside Pool, 2400 Harn Blvd.
• Clearwater Fire Station 49, 565 Sky Harbor Drive
• Ross Norton Recreation Center, 1426 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
• North MLK Police substation, 1310 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.

Keep a record of valuable gifts by documenting make, model, serial numbers and a detailed description here.