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'Burglar Box' recommended to dispose of gift packaging

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Local law enforcement agencies are recommending people refrain from throwing out holiday gift boxes at the curb because it can advertise to criminals what gifts from Santa you have available to steal.

If you got any big-ticket items like a TV or game console this holiday season, you have a lot of packaging just sitting around, so putting it out on the curb or in your trash bin may not be the best idea.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office recommends using a “Burglar Box” to safely dispose of that gift packaging.

Karen Mallozzi is a snowbird from New York, and she thinks these boxes are helping protect people’s property.

“I think it is a good idea that they are protecting people’s property. I mean, not just going through their garbage, but after they go through their garbage, then there is garbage all over the floor, over the ground and then the homeowner has to clean it up,” added Mallozzi. “If it can defeat that, I’m all for it.”

Multiple drop-off locations throughout the county include a Winn-Dixie Plaza, Sheriff’s Office Sub-Stations and a church.

Karen thinks this would be good to have in residential areas.

“I’m not sure about a shopping center. I think it could be better in neighborhoods,” said Mallozzi.

She would like to see these boxes back home.

“Send it up to New York, where I am from,” explained Mallozzi.

'Burglar Box' recommended to dispose of gift packaging

Acid Free Photo Album She thinks these boxes can help prevent crime. They have been used in the county in the past.