OV Crimefighter
The Safety Newsletter of the Oro Valley Police Department
Since relaunching the CrimeFighter newsletter three years ago, we’ve been proud to bring it to you every month with timely updates, crime prevention tips, and the latest crime statistics in Oro Valley. Your support and readership have made it a valuable resource for keeping our community connected and informed.
To better balance our growing responsibilities in the Community Resources Unit, we will be transitioning the CrimeFighter to a bi-monthly (every other month) publication schedule. This adjustment will allow us to work more efficiently while still delivering the same important information you’ve come to rely on.
You can continue to count on CrimeFighter for neighborhood safety updates, crime statistics, and resources to help keep Oro Valley one of the safest communities in Arizona. Thank you for reading, sharing, and staying engaged—we look forward to continuing this journey with you every step of the way.
– Steven Snyder, Officer
Scam Alert: “Friend” Asking for Money
A scam that’s been around for many years—but we still see in Oro Valley—involves fraudsters sending emails or text messages that appear to come from people you know asking for money. These messages may even use your friend’s or relative’s real email address or phone number, along with your name and personal details, making them look authentic. The message often describes an urgent situation—such as needing immediate help, buying a present, or paying bills—and asks you to purchase gift cards or prepaid cards, then send the card numbers on the back.
In reality, the person you know hasn’t contacted you. Their account has likely been hacked, and the plea for help is from a scammer. They will often glean personal information from the victim’s email account and then customize scenarios that, on the surface, seem plausable. For example, a receiving an email from your pastor asking for donations to help a family.
Here are some key warning signs and tips to protect yourself:
- Pause and Think – If the message is unusual or out of character for the person, be cautious. Ask yourself: “Would this person normally ask me for money this way?”
- Verify Before You Act – Never send money, gift cards, or codes without confirming directly with the person. Call them at a known number or speak in person. Do not reply to the suspicious message.
- Watch for Odd Requests – Gift cards and prepaid cards are a favorite tool for scammers because they’re untraceable. Legitimate organizations and real friends won’t demand payment in gift cards.
- Strengthen Account Security – Encourage friends and family to use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email and social media accounts to help prevent hacking.
- Report the Scam – If you receive one of these messages, let the real person know their account may be compromised. Also, notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In the event that you did lose money, contact your bank immediately to see if they can stop the transaction and secure your account. Also, file a report with your local police.
Scammers rely on urgency and trust to trick people. By slowing down, verifying requests, and refusing to send gift card codes, you can avoid becoming a victim. When in doubt, contact the person directly—a quick call could save you from losing money and peace of mind.
Disaster Preparedness Month
Southern Arizona’s natural beauty comes with its share of hazards. Our desert landscapes bring brilliant sunsets and sunshine, but they also carry risks—from extreme heat and wildfires to flash floods, dust storms, and power outages. September is recognized as National Disaster Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to review your plans and ensure your family is ready for the unexpected.
Being prepared for a disaster is crucial for safeguarding your home and family. Disasters can strike with little warning, so having a well-thought-out plan is essential. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare your home for emergencies:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan – Talk with your family about what to do in different scenarios. Identify safe meeting places, evacuation routes, and how you will communicate if local phone lines are down. Designate an out-of-town contact who can serve as a communication hub if needed.
- Build an Emergency Kit – Assemble a kit that will sustain your household for at least three days. Include bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, first-aid supplies, medications, flashlights, batteries, hygiene products, and a battery-powered radio. Keep everything in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container.
- Protect Your Home – Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working, and replace batteries regularly. For wildfire safety, clear dry vegetation around your property and create a defensible space. In flood-prone areas, consider sandbags and elevating electrical systems.
- Prepare for Extreme Heat – Southern Arizona is no stranger to scorching summers. Keep fans or portable air conditioners on hand, and know the locations of nearby cooling centers. Store plenty of water and electrolyte drinks, and learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke so you can respond quickly.
- Stay Informed – Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay updated on hazards in your area. In Oro Valley, residents can register for CodeRED, which sends emergency notifications through calls, texts, emails, and social media. Visit orovalleyaz.gov and search for “CodeRED” to register.
Being prepared gives you peace of mind and helps keep your family safe when emergencies arise. This month, take time to review your plans, restock supplies, and talk with your family about preparedness. A little effort today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Question & Answer
Have you ever wanted to ask a police officer a question but never had the opportunity to do so? Ever wondered why a cop did what they did? Have a question about traffic? Here is your chance to send in your questions, and we may publish them with an answer from an officer with expertise in that area.
Jim from Oro Valley asks: Does Arizona have a law that says slower drivers should stay in the right lane? I get irritated with the drivers in the far left lane that just hang out and force everyone else to pass on the right. I’ve lived in several other states and never experienced the problem that I’ve seen here.
Answer: Yes, A.R.S. 28-721(b) states that on all roadways, a person driving a vehicle less than the normal speed of traffic shall drive in the right-hand lane or as close to the right-hand curb as possible. The only exception to this is when a vehicle is overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction, or when making a left turn at an intersection or driveway. Notice that the law says “normal speed of traffic”. This verbiage means that even if you are traveling at the speed limit in the left lane and there is someone behind you trying to pass, you are still legally obligated to move to the right. The reason for this law is not for convenience sake but for safety; vehicles driving slower in the left lane impede the flow of traffic and encourage unsafe passing on the right.
If you have a question you would like to submit, email it to CRU@orovalleyaz.gov.Crime Statistics (June – August 2025)
The following statistics are provided to inform citizens of criminal activity occurring in your community.
| June | July | August | | Total Calls for Service | 1175 | 1130 | 1212 | | Homicides | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Assaults | 8 | 6 | 14 | | Burglaries | 2 | 0 | 2 | | Thefts | 24 | 32 | 28 | | Vehicle Thefts | 2 | 4 | 0 | | Recovered Stolen Vehicles | 2 | 4 | 0 | | DUI | 21 | 12 | 9 | | Drug Offenses | 29 | 25 | 33 | | Total Arrests | 138 | 111 | 127 | | Residential Alarms | 47 | 27 | 41 | | Business Alarms | 28 | 23 | 34 | | First Aid Calls | 27 | 24 | 27 | | Fatal Collisions | 0 | 0 | 0 | | Collisions | 30 | 34 | 22 | | Traffic Citations | 185 | 160 | 144 |
|
Upcoming Events
Free Sandbags for OV Residents
Date: Now through September 30, 2025
Time: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Naranja Park (810 W. Naranja Drive, between archery range and dog park)
Details: Free sandbags are self-service. Bring your own shovel. Limit of 10 bags.
National Night Out 2025
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Walmart Supercenter parking lot (2150 E. Tangerine Road)
Details: A FREE event with over 50 law enforcement displays, a helicopter, fire trucks, food trucks, free candy, 70-foot obstacle course, and awesome raffle prizes! Wear your costumes!
Dispose A Med
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: OVPD Main Station (11000 N. La Canada Drive)
Details: Pills only. No liquids, creams, aerosols or sharps. Please leave medications in their original containers.
Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert
Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Jamed D. Kreigh Park north fields (23 W. Calle Concordia)
Details: A FREE concert to support first responders, military, veterans and Gold Star families. Music, food trucks, and adult beverages.
TOV Shred Event
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: OV Marketplace (11785 N. Oracle Road, near the former Red Lobster)
Details: Each vehicle may bring up to 8 medium-sized boxes that will be shredded on site for FREE!
Sign Up for CrimeFighter Newsletter!
If you would like to receive the CrimeFighter Newsletter via email every month automatically, scan the QR code below or click HERE to sign up. Remember to select the “Public Safety & Crime Prevention” box.
Alternatively, you can sign up by going to the Town of Oro Valley website (orovalleyaz.gov), click on the News tab, and click on “Subscribe to get news and event updates”. Remember to select the “Public Safety & Crime Prevention” box.
Contact us:
Main Lobby:
11000 N. La Cañada Drive
24 Hour Non-Emergency:
(520) 229-4900
Community Resources Unit:
Sun City Substation
1171 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Suite 115
(520) 229-5080
cru@orovalleyaz.gov
