HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office logged nearly 900 traffic stops and made over 100 arrests during a targeted enforcement campaign spanning the Thanksgiving holiday.
Dubbed “Operation Drinksgiving,” the initiative saw the Sheriff’s Office team up with police from Tampa, Temple Terrace, and USF to focus on impaired drivers starting November 26. By the end of the weekend, deputies had arrested 31 people for DUI and issued 126 citations.
Beyond the roads, the agency increased patrols in shopping centers and neighborhoods to deter break-ins during the retail rush. Aviation and bike units were deployed to watch for crimes in progress.
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In one instance on November 29, air support tracked a 15-year-old suspect in Sun City Center accused of checking car door handles. Deputies on the ground arrested the teen for burglary and loitering.
Sheriff Chad Chronister noted that criminals often try to exploit the chaos of the holiday season.
“When call volumes rise, we rise higher,” Chronister said regarding the 119 total arrests made countywide. “Our teams are out in force, watching, responding, and acting the moment trouble surfaces.”
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