National Domestic Violence Hotline  English/Spanish - 800-799-7233

Reporting Domestic Violence

The Oviedo Police Department asks you to remember that domestic violence is a crime, so when you need police information concerning domestic violence in Oviedo call 407-971-5700 to meet with an officer. Whenever a crime is in progress, you are in fear for your safety or someone could be harmed always call 911 for emergency help.

Local Resources

Safehouse of Seminole

Local resources available to prevent domestic violence injuries or fatalities include the SafeHouse of Seminole which provides services to all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and provides free and confidential services for any victim of domestic violence who lives or works in Seminole County. They also provide emergency shelter, counseling, court accompaniment, information, referrals and personal advocacy. For more information, visit their website or call 407-302-5220.

Office on Violence Against Women

Other resources include The U.S. Department of Justice "Office on Violence Against Women" (OVW) which provides a comprehensive online resource for victims of domestic abuse. For more information, visit the office's website.

Harbor House of Central Florida

A safe place for women and men to help prevent and end domestic abuse through education.

https://www.harborhousefl.com/

INTERNET fraud

Hacking, Malware, Identity Theft, Software Piracy and Social Engineering are all forms of internet fraud that criminals use to get a hold of your information. Criminals and criminal organizations will get a hold of your email or information and start to send you emails that may potentially look like legitimate emails from your bank, software companies, retail companies such as Amazon or Walmart or even your utility companies. They will ask for personal information, tell you your payment didn't go through, or tell you that your license has expired providing a link for you to click on. This is a phishing attempt and has caused many headaches for consumers. Criminals can steal your banking and personal information this way.  Before you click, look through these common signs of scams and when in doubt, call the company to find out if what you received is legitimate.  Change your online passwords regularly.

fraud calls/texts

Fraud happens through phone calls called robocalls and texts.  Scammers will call pretending to be a legitimate business or bank trying to get you to give them your personal information.  NEVER give out your information to someone who has called you from a random phone number. Many times, scammers will spoof, or copy, what appear to be legitimate phone numbers.  They may be pretending to be someone they are not.  These scammers are getting more and more sophisticated and oftentimes take advantage of elderly citizens. If you feel you have been a victim of a robocall scam, call the Oviedo Police Department and report it right away. Also call your bank to report the fraudulent activity and change your passwords. 

More Information

People who are unsure if they have been a victim of cyber fraud are encouraged to contact their local police department for advice or, in our area, to stop by the Police Department at 300 Alexandria Blvd. for tips on how to avoid becoming a crime victim. Additional information and how to report fraud to the FTC can be found online HERE.

In 2005, the City of Oviedo adopted Ordinances 1310 and 1315 restricting where sexual offenders/predators could reside within the City limits. 

View the list of Sexual Offenders/Predators in your area HERE using the FDLE Sexual Offender search site.

VEHICLE SAFETY ASSESSMENT SURVEY

To reduce vehicle burglaries in our City, the Oviedo Police Department is conducting Vehicle Assessments to educate our residents and spread awareness about reducing the risk of becoming a burglary victim.

Officers are checking vehicles to determine if the vehicle is locked and free of valuables in plain sight. 

Criminals are opportunists and always looking for an easy target. A locked vehicle, and a vehicle with nothing in sight to tempt a criminal, is less likely to be burglarized. 

How to Read your Vehicle Assessment Survey

•    Check the Vehicle Assessment Survey completed on your vehicle.  

•    Look for the ‘Codes for Results' and enter web address provided or scan the QR code with your phone's camera.

•    See how you did!

Codes Results

1010- Congratulations! Your vehicle is locked and there are no valuables in sight! Way to #LockitupOviedo

1011 – Your vehicle is locked, but there are valuables in plain sight. Take anything of value with you, and hide anything that may tempt criminals.

1012 - Your vehicle is unlocked. There are no valuables in plain sight. Great job taking your valuables with you, but a criminal may still enter your unlocked car and rummage through it. Be sure to lock it up!

1013 - Your vehicle is unlocked AND there are valuables in plain sight. Your vehicle is a jackpot for an opportunistic criminal. Lock it up and take your valuables with you.

THE 9 P.M. ROUTINE

The #9pmRoutine is a social media campaign reminding you to button up your household for the night. It's important because thieves often look for opportunities such as unlocked doors and unlocked vehicles.

From cute pics to silly memes, we promote this nightly nudge to head out to make sure you've done the #9pmRoutine. It's important because thieves often look for opportunities such as unlocked doors and unlocked vehicles. We'll also remind you to make sure your garage door is closed and outside lights are on, then lock your exterior doors.

Click the links below to give us a follow and join the conversation! Tweet #HeyOviedo and #9pmRoutine or share our posts on FB and help spread the word.

@OviedoPD

 @OviedoPD

Porch Pirates can strike anywhere at anytime. They are no longer thieves in the night, but during the daylight hours also. These thieves approach homes across are area to steal packages you've ordered online.  They are especially active during the holidays when more and more people are ordering online.

We want to offer some tips to help thwart the porch pirates.  If you have been a victim of theft, please call us!

Protect Your Packages: Tips to Prevent Porch Theft 

Install Cameras and Video Doorbells

• A visible camera can deter thieves.

• Recorded footage helps identify suspects and provides proof for vendors or police.

Use Motion-Sensor Lights

• Bright, motion-activated lights can startle thieves.

• They also draw attention to unusual activity on your porch.

Invest in a Package Lockbox

• Built with durable, secure materials.

• Requires a code to open, keeping packages safe until you retrieve them.

Secure Delivery Options

Ship to a Secure Location

• Deliver to your office, a trusted neighbor, an Amazon Locker, or a P.O. Box.

Use In-Store Pickup

• For retailers with physical stores, pick up your order at the counter.

Request a Signature

• Ensures your package is handed directly to you or an authorized recipient.

Be Proactive

Track Your Packages

• Sign up for delivery notifications to know exactly when to expect your order.

Ask for Neighborly Help

• Have a trusted neighbor keep watch or pick up packages for you.

Use Delivery Instructions

• Request drivers place packages in a hidden spot or behind a gate.

eBikes/eMotorcycles/eScooters/eOne-Wheelers

Know the Law

When school is out, especially around the holidays, police see an increase in activity with kids and electric micromobility. We want everyone to know the law when it comes to riding and what the differences are between all these modes of transportation.

eBikes

There are three classes of eBikes:

Electric Bicycle per section 316.003(23), Florida Statutes means:

• A bicycle or tricycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts which meets the requirements of one of the following three classifications:
  1. (a) “Class 1 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
  2. (b) “Class 2 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the electric bicycle and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
  3. (c) “Class 3 electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
• They are 750 watts or less. You can check the battery or controller for Volts (V) and Amps (A) ratings, then multiply them to get the peak wattage. (V X A = W) The bicycle should have a sticker under the motor with the wattage listed.
• Anyone 16 years old or younger are required by Florida Traffic Laws (F.S.S 316.20655) to wear a helmet. 
• These bikes can be operated on public roads and bike paths/sidewalks.
• Riders are required to yield to pedestrians.

eMotorcycles: (F.S.S 322.01)

• No Pedals – Throttle only and can be driven at high speeds with a more powerful motor.  It is considered an eMotorcycle if it exceeds 28 MPH.
• They are over 750 Watts.
• Not allowed to be driven on sidewalks in residential, commercial or right-of-way areas.
• They are NOT allowed on city streets without state issued endorsements.  They can only be driven on private property without state-issued endorsement.
• Must be 16 years old or older to operate with a driver’s license, insurance, license plate, and registration. Anyone under 21 years old is legally required to wear a helmet. 

eScooters: 

This type of scooter cannot be titled or registered in this state.

NOTE: Per section 316.2128 Micromobility devices, motorized scooters, and miniature motorcycles; requirements.

• The operator of a motorized scooter or micromobility device has all of the rights and duties applicable to the rider of a bicycle under s. 316.2065, except the duties imposed by s. 316.2065(2), (3)(b), and (3)(c), which by their nature do not apply. However, this section may not be construed to prevent a local government, through the exercise of its powers under s. 316.008, from adopting an ordinance governing the operation of micromobility devices and motorized scooters on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas under the local government’s jurisdiction.
• A motorized scooter or micromobility device is not required to satisfy the registration and insurance requirements of s. 320.02 or the licensing requirements of s. 316.605.
• A person is not required to have a driver’s license to operate a motorized scooter or micromobility device.
• Riders are required to yield to pedestrians.

Use this QR Code to get more details at the FLHSMV website:

Reckless Operation of these eBikes/eMotorcycles

Officers can and will enforce reckless operation of these devices. Anyone caught driving in a reckless manner in the City of Oviedo can and will be issued a citation that is $116.00. Parents can be cited for any children under the age of 14 driving in a reckless manner, such as driving down the middle of the road, impeding vehicular traffic, driving the wrong way down a road, driving on sidewalks and driving dangerously in parks and public spaces.

Anyone under the age of 16 issued a citation will accumulate points through the state DMV that can hinder their ability to acquire a driver’s license in the future or have a pre-suspended license.

Reckless operation is also an arrestable offense.

We encourage parents to talk to their kids about the use of these electric devices, make sure they are wearing proper safety gear and monitor social media for secret ‘take overs’ in street. These behaviors are dangerous and can result in serious injury or even death.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a 2023 study shows that injuries associated with all micromobility devices increased 21% in 2022 from 2021. Children 14 years and younger accounted for 36% of injuries with 373 deaths from 2017 through 2023.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE