Charitable organizations around the state collect items from donors to support those in need. Unfortunately, in 2020, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office began to see an increase in the number of thefts from donation drop-off sites throughout their county. Donation sites are located at non-profit organizations such as the Key Training Center, Habitat for Humanity, Daystar Life Center, and the Sheriff’s Ranches Enterprises Thrift Shop. The sheriff’s office investigated the situation and addressed it in three tiers: Education, Security and Enforcement. This was followed by a further onsite security assessment to identify key improvement areas. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office values community partners and relationships. These efforts resulted in the development of Florida Statute 810.02(4), allowing donation sites to display a sign stating, “Theft from this area is a Felony.”

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office asks that you join them in Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Donation Day! This is a day for supporting and giving back to the youth in need. Citizens are welcome to stop by the CCSO main operations building in Inverness, FL at 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave from 9am to 1pm. For more information, please visit the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Donation Day page.

Look forward to the full article of Citrus County Sheriff’s Office’s initiative on preventing theft at non-profit organizations in the next Sheriff’s Star and All Points Bulletin publications.