Crime Prevention
Because prevention is always better than a police report.
No one should have to navigate a scam, a stolen bike, or the aftermath of identity theft alone. Our deputies work in this community — they live here too — and helping residents stay safe and informed is as much a part of the job as responding to calls.
This section brings together the resources we think every Deschutes County resident should know about. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself before something happens or figure out what to do after, you’ll find practical guidance here.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and the tactics they use — phishing emails, impostor phone calls, fake account alerts — can fool anyone. This page walks you through the most common schemes targeting our community right now, and what you can do to stay a step ahead. We also partner with Mid Oregon Credit Union to bring regular fraud awareness events to Deschutes County.
Identity theft can take months or years to untangle, and the damage goes beyond finances — it can affect your credit, your employment, and even your legal record. If you suspect your identity has been compromised, this page outlines exactly what steps to take, including how to place fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus and file a complaint with the FTC.
Deschutes County is one of the great cycling communities in the country, and unfortunately that means bike theft is a real and growing problem. Whether you ride road, trail, gravel, or commute by bike, registering your bike with Bike Index is one of the simplest things you can do — it makes stolen bikes harder to sell and dramatically easier to recover. This page also covers locks, storage, and what to do if your bike goes missing.
The Deschutes Alert System lets us reach you directly — by phone, text, or email — when there’s an emergency in your area. Cell phones and VoIP lines aren’t automatically included, so if you haven’t registered your number, there’s a good chance you’d miss a critical alert. It only takes a few minutes.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
For non-emergency reports — including crimes that have already occurred — call Deschutes County Dispatch at (541) 693-6911. Dispatchers will connect you with the right agency for your location.
Graffiti and illegal dumping affect the character of our neighborhoods and public lands. You can report both online — no phone call required.