Public Information

News & Communications

Stay Informed! Access the latest news and insights from your Sheriff's Office through our various communication channels.

Press Releases

Breaking news and important updates are posted on our homepage and archived here. While current releases appear on the main page for 3-5 business days, you can find all past releases in our archive. Read more by clicking the Press Releases button below.

The Lowdown with Sheriff Blackwood

Each month, Sheriff Blackwood shares his insights and perspectives in "The Lowdown," a column published in the News of Orange. These articles go beyond the headlines to explore:

Behind-the-scenes operations of your Sheriff's Office
Local impact of national issues
Community initiatives and programs
Law enforcement insights and education

Read the latest edition or explore past columns in the archive by clicking The Lowdown button below.

The Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer (P.I.O.) is A. Stemper. Contact: (919) 245-2963 or astemper@orangecountync.gov.

PRESS

RELEASES

THE LOWDOWN

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VIDEOS

CITIZENS

ACADEMY

EMERGENCY

WEATHER

Firearm Ordinance

Noise Ordinance

Other County Ordinances

Public Sale/Auction

Auction and Ordinances

An update on reported crimes, fraud, and scams is linked on our main page every standard business day.

You may also find a long-term archive of current and past events below.

Daily Crime, Fraud, and Scam Reports

Daily Crime Report

Crime Locations on MAP NIMBUS

As a reminder, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT call citizens and solicit money to avoid being arrested. We are being notified of fraudulent calls where individuals are claiming to be deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, requesting money to avoid arrest or civil penalties.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office is seeing a reoccurrence of scams where the scammer is sending individuals checks with a victim's cash, telling you to keep a part of it, and send the scammer the remaining funds. Please be cautions on social media platforms with individuals sending checks and asking for money to be sent back to them.

December 23, 2025

Crime

B&E of a Motor Vehicle

A breaking and entering of a motor vehicle was reported in the area of Saber Ct, Chapel Hill. Victim reported their vehicle was broken into over the night, and a bag stolen from inside. The bag was located in the nearby area along with other abandoned items. Investigation ongoing.

Fraud

Nothing to Report

Scam

Nothing to Report

December 22, 2025

Crime

Larceny of Farm Equipment

A larceny of farm equipment was reported in the area of NC 86 N. Victim reported their farm equipment being stolen from their attached carport. Investigation is ongoing.

Attempted B&E of a Motor Vehicle

An attempted breaking and entering of a motorized vehicle was reported in the area of Caroline Loop, Durham. Victim reported seeing an unknown individual attempting to break inot their neighbor's vehicle. When confronted, the suspect pointed a weapon at the victim, before being picked up be an accomplice and fleeing the scene. Investigation ongoing.

Peeping Drone

A peeping drone was reported in the area of Mocker Nut Ln, Chapel Hill. Victim reported the drone peeping on them through a window before flying off. Investigaiton ongoing.

Motor Vehicle Theft

A theft of motorized vehicles was reported in the area of Billy Efland Dr, Efland. Victim reported two seperate vehicles stolen from their property late in the evening. Investigation ongoing.