The Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") conducted a two-day organized retail-theft “blitz” in late November that resulted in 11 arrests and the recovery of about $3,000 in stolen merchandise. This was the first deployment of its kind for the department, prompted by an in-depth review of calls for service, arrest patterns, and case loads within the Criminal Investigations Unit.
Using crime-trend analysis...
OVPD identified locations and times with repeated theft activity and assigned officers exclusively to the operation. The arrests ranged from misdemeanor and felony shoplifting to outstanding warrants, drug-paraphernalia violations, and multi-state fraud, underscoring that retail theft often intersects with other criminal activity. Officers from patrol and investigations worked in coordinated teams to monitor store activity, respond quickly, and make arrests.
Working with retailers with focussed resources targeting shoplifters and organized theft
The blitz relied on cooperation from local retailers that had been reporting repeated losses. OVPD said this partnership is essential, because the police department, not store employee, should determine what constitutes a crime. Every crime report enables officers to intervene, investigate, and connect related incidents when appropriate. OVPD emphasized in discussions with LOVE: “We want you to call us,” noting that some aspects of their property-crime enforcement are intentionally less visible but part of a broader strategy to deter organized theft.
Working with retailers with focussed resources targeting shoplifters and organized theft
The blitz relied on cooperation from local retailers that had been reporting repeated losses. OVPD said this partnership is essential, because the police department, not store employee, should determine what constitutes a crime. Every crime report enables officers to intervene, investigate, and connect related incidents when appropriate. OVPD emphasized in discussions with LOVE: “We want you to call us,” noting that some aspects of their property-crime enforcement are intentionally less visible but part of a broader strategy to deter organized theft.
An action that shows how OVPD actions help the retailer's bottom line.. a boost to commercial annexation efforts... a boost to bringing business to Oro Valley
This type of focused enforcement also strengthens Oro Valley’s position when engaging commercial areas the Town may consider for future annexation. All of these areas are currently served by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which does not typically conduct targeted, analytics-driven retail-theft operations like OVPD’s recent blitz. For retailers, OVPD’s model offers a clear advantage: Reduced losses from theft and a safer, more predictable shopping environment for customers. Both of these directly support a stronger bottom line.
Demonstrating this level of proactive policing is a meaningful selling point for businesses evaluating the benefits of being located within Oro Valley’s boundaries.
Making shopping an even safer experience this holiday season
These operations are designed not only to protect businesses but to improve the shopping experience for residents. Shoppers need to feel safe while out in public, and visible, strategic enforcement helps assure both residents and retailers that Oro Valley is taking active steps to remain a low-crime, high-quality community. Increased police presence in retail areas during the holidays is part of that strategy, balanced with the need to respond promptly to calls throughout the town.
If you see it... call 911
In discussions with LOVE, OVPD made this point clear: If a resident witnesses shoplifting or suspicious behavior, they should call 911. OVPD stresses that residents should never assume a situation is “too small” to report. Determining whether something is a crime is the department’s responsibility, not the public’s. Quick reporting allows officers to intervene before suspects leave the area and helps investigators link cases that may be part of a larger pattern.
More blitzes in store
Given the success of the late-November blitz, OVPD has already planned similar operations in the near future. These efforts will continue to be driven by crime data and ongoing analysis of property-crime trends. OVPD also encouraged businesses to participate in its Adopt-A-Business program, which pairs each participating business with an officer liaison to strengthen communication and problem-solving.
Making shopping an even safer experience this holiday season
These operations are designed not only to protect businesses but to improve the shopping experience for residents. Shoppers need to feel safe while out in public, and visible, strategic enforcement helps assure both residents and retailers that Oro Valley is taking active steps to remain a low-crime, high-quality community. Increased police presence in retail areas during the holidays is part of that strategy, balanced with the need to respond promptly to calls throughout the town.
If you see it... call 911
In discussions with LOVE, OVPD made this point clear: If a resident witnesses shoplifting or suspicious behavior, they should call 911. OVPD stresses that residents should never assume a situation is “too small” to report. Determining whether something is a crime is the department’s responsibility, not the public’s. Quick reporting allows officers to intervene before suspects leave the area and helps investigators link cases that may be part of a larger pattern.
More blitzes in store
Given the success of the late-November blitz, OVPD has already planned similar operations in the near future. These efforts will continue to be driven by crime data and ongoing analysis of property-crime trends. OVPD also encouraged businesses to participate in its Adopt-A-Business program, which pairs each participating business with an officer liaison to strengthen communication and problem-solving.
- - -
No comments:
Post a Comment