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

Package Thefts

With the continued growth of online shopping, package deliveries have become a regular sight in our neighborhoods.  Unattended packages left on front porches can sometimes become targets for theft, often referred to as “porch piracy.”  These thefts are typically opportunistic and occur when packages are visible and left unattended.

Residents can reduce the risk of package theft by taking the following steps:

• Retrieve packages promptly – Track deliveries when possible and bring packages inside as soon as they arrive to limit the amount of time they are left unattended

• • Ask a trusted neighbor for help – If you will be away from home, ask a neighbor to collect packages for you, especially during vacations or extended workdays.

  • Install surveillance cameras or video doorbells – These systems can deter crime and provide valuable evidence if a theft occurs. Many affordable and easy-to-use options are available.

  • Use a secure pickup location – Many retailers offer alternatives such as in-store pickup, parcel lockers, or delivery to staffed locations, eliminating the need to leave packages on a porch.

  • Report suspicious activity immediately – If you observe individuals lingering near homes, checking porches, or following delivery vehicles, contact the Oro Valley Police Department right away.

  Staying aware and taking simple preventive measures can help protect your deliveries and contribute to the safety of our neighborhoods.

  Safer Internet Day 2026

  The internet continues to evolve rapidly, shaping how we communicate, learn, work, and interact with the world.  In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a common part of everyday online life—from search engines and social media to school tools, chatbots, gaming platforms, and content creation apps.  While these technologies offer powerful benefits and convenience, they also introduce new challenges and risks, especially for children and teens.

  To promote awareness of responsible digital behavior, Safer Internet Day is observed internationally each February.  The theme for Safer Internet Day 2026, “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI,” highlights the importance of understanding how AI influences online experiences and how to use these tools safely, ethically, and responsibly.

  AI systems increasingly shape the content children see, the information they receive, and the way they communicate online.  Without guidance, young users may struggle to recognize misinformation, understand privacy risks, or recognize when technology influences their decisions.  Teaching digital awareness and critical thinking is now just as important as teaching basic online safety.

  Parents, guardians, and caregivers play a key role in helping children navigate this evolving digital landscape.  Conversations about technology should go beyond screen time and include discussions about AI, data privacy, and responsible online behavior.

Here are a few practical ways families can promote safer and smarter technology use:

• Encourage open conversations about how AI tools are used in apps, games, and school platforms.

• Teach critical thinking skills to help children question online information and recognize misleading content.

• Set clear digital boundaries, including screen time limits and expectations for online behavior.

• Emphasize privacy and security, such as strong passwords and careful sharing of personal information.

• Stay informed about new apps, platforms, and technologies your children use.

Safer Internet Day 2026 is an opportunity to strengthen digital responsibility at home and in our community.  By helping young people make smart choices with smart technology, we can create a safer, healthier online environment for everyone.

For more information and resources, visit:
https://safer.connectsafely.org/get-involved/
https://connectsafely.org/allguides/

Start Your Engines, Ladies!

Are yo

u aware that the Oro Valley Police Department, in partnership with Catalina Towing & Recovery, hosts a women’s-only automotive care class?  It’s true!  Several times throughout the year, we host a class at the police department that provides ladies a hands-on experience in basic automotive maintenance.  This class helps empower participants by giving them the confidence to understand how vehicles operate, to perform light maintenance, and gives them an understanding of technical jargon that mechanics may use.

Participants will learn the following:

• The basic understanding of how an engine works
• The basic understanding of braking systems
• How to change a tire
• How to check fluids and add if necessary
• How to check belts
• How to check fuses
• How to replace wiper blades
• Battery maintenance

These classes are limited to 18 participants, so you must register in order to get a spot.  We currently have a few openings left for our Thursday, February 19th class, and will have additional classes this year.  To register, email the Community Resource Unit at CElliott@orovalleyaz.gov.

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.

Linda from Sun City asks:  Are golf carts allowed to be driven on public streets?  If so, what are the requirements?

Answer:  Yes, golf carts are allowed to be driven on certain public roads in Arizona, but there are specific rules and restrictions.  Under Arizona law (A.R.S. 28-101), golf carts are classified as motor vehicles and must meet certain requirements to be street legal.  Golf carts must be driven in the same direction as other motor vehicles, and must move to the extreme right of a traffic lane or paved shoulder to allow cars to pass.  Here are the key guidelines:

• Roadway must have a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less
• Golf cart must be equipped with:
  • Headlights
  • Brake lights
  • Turn signals
  • Rearview mirror
  • Horn
• Driver must have a valid driver’s license
• Golf cart must be registered (license plate) and insured if operated on public roads
• Drivers must obey all traffic laws, just like other vehicles

Kari from Oro Valley asks:  I often see cars that are turning right from Rancho Vistoso Boulevard onto southbound Oracle Road who pull into the designated bike lane prior to making the turn.  Isn’t this illegal, not to mention unsafe for potential cyclists?

Answer:  Yes.  A.R.S. § 28‑771 requires drivers to follow lane markings and traffic control devices while operating motor vehicles.  Turn lanes are intended exclusively for turning in the direction indicated.  Drivers must enter the correct lane for the movement they intend to make—straight, left, or right—before reaching the intersection.  At the intersection you are referring to (Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and Oracle Road), there is a dedicated right turn lane, which is where vehicles should be turning from.  They should not be on the other side of the white fog line in the “bike lane”.  See photo below left.

At some intersections where there is not a dedicated right turn lane, you will find that the white fog line becomes dashed lines as it approaches the intersecting road.  In those cases, it is permissible for a vehicle to pull into that area (when safe to do so) to make the right turn.  See photo below right.

If you have a question you would like to submit, email it to CRU@orovalleyaz.gov.

Crime Statistics (Oct – Dec 2025) 

The following statistics are provided to inform citizens of criminal activity occurring in your community.