Valdosta car break-in sprees putting guns on the street, say police in urging more vehicle security

By T.S. Carter

 

VALDOSTA, Lowndes County, Georgia – Vehicle break-ins have been a nearly daily occurrence in Valdosta since January 1, the Valdosta Police Department says.

 

Sounding the alarm after responding to over 45 calls since New Year’s Day, police urged residents to take extra steps to prevent becoming a victim.

 

Most troubling about the breaks-ins: theft of 18 firearms.

 

In each gun theft, the owners neglected to lock their vehicles, police said.

 

“In nine of the 17 calls where a gun was reported stolen, the vehicles had not been locked, and owners only had serial numbers for eight of the firearms,” police noted.

 

The Police Department added in a press release: “We are asking for the public’s assistance to take extra steps to prevent becoming a victim. Please remove all valuable items from your vehicles and lock your doors before entering your residence.

 

“We are asking everyone to write down all serial numbers of any valuables, especially firearms.  Without providing serial numbers, law enforcement is unable to enter them into databases to register them as stolen. Also, without serial numbers, law enforcement cannot return property to you when it is recovered.

 

Take “extra steps to protect your property and help us in keeping firearms out of the hands of teenagers,” police said.

If you need a gun lock, you can get one free of charge at the Valdosta Police Department.

 

Persons with any further information on this case or any other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department/.