In a recent press release, the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) has called upon residents to enhance their personal security measures. The department reported responding to over 45 incidents of vehicle break-ins within the community. Among these cases, 18 firearms were found missing. This initiative aims to prevent such occurrences by encouraging the public to adopt proactive safety practices.

The VPD emphasized the importance of securing personal property through simple yet effective methods. Authorities highlighted that in many instances, vehicles involved in the break-ins were left unlocked, making them easy targets for theft. To mitigate this issue, the police recommend removing all valuable items from vehicles and ensuring they are locked before leaving them unattended. Additionally, the department advises recording serial numbers of valuable possessions, especially firearms, to facilitate tracking and recovery if stolen.

The department also pointed out that only eight out of the 18 stolen firearms had recorded serial numbers, which significantly hinders law enforcement's ability to register them as stolen in official databases. Without these crucial identifiers, tracking down lost or stolen firearms becomes exceedingly difficult. The VPD is urging the community to take this advice seriously to protect not only their own property but also to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, particularly those of minors.

To further support residents, the VPD offers free gun locks at the police station. This initiative underscores the department’s commitment to community safety and crime prevention. By taking these preventive measures, citizens can play an active role in reducing the incidence of vehicle-related crimes and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.