Holiday Shopping Season Tips for from VPD

The Valdosta Police Department Investigative Bureau welcomes the general public’s continued assistance in keeping the community safe during the holidays. Residents have played a vital role in crime prevention by providing crime tips that have helped solve past and present crimes and prevent future criminal activity. 

Theft of packages could be a bigger problem this year due in part to COVID-19, and Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan offers some valuable tips to avoid porch piracy.

“We know that due to the Pandemic, there will be an increase in the number of packages delivered to your home. These may be left unattended for hours, leaving them vulnerable to possibly being stolen,” said Chief Manahan. “We encourage all of our residents to invest in security systems or camera doorbells. These devices will not prevent crimes, but it does help during investigations and allows homeowners to keep an eye on their packages until they can return home to bring them inside.”

Additional tips for package delivery include:

• If you order something online, sign up for delivery alerts/pick up packages immediately. If allowed, have your packages delivered to your work 

• Have your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend that you know will be home. 

• Utilize ship-to-store options

• Request packages are signed for or ask the carrier to place the package somewhere out of open view.

“We hope that our community remembers to support our local businesses this year. These business owners are our neighbors, friends, and a big part of our community. We want the community to feel safe shopping local still and remember social distancing measures,” said Chief Manahan. 

When you are out shopping, remember: 

•  Never, ever leave your vehicle unlocked. Do not leave anything in plain sight inside your vehicle. Park in a well-lit area when shopping and pay attention to your surroundings walking to and from your vehicle.  

• Place all purchased items in the trunk and take them home as soon as possible.  

• Have your keys ready to open your car door when returning to your vehicle, and immediately lock your car doors upon entering your vehicle.  

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Trust your instincts. There is safety in numbers. Walk to the parking lot area with other shoppers.  

• Protect your purse or wallet at all times. Never leave these items unattended in a shopping cart, vehicle, or baby stroller. Don’t carry large sums of cash or extra credit/debit cards. Keep a master list in a safe place at your home of all credit/debit cards and the credit card companies’ contact number if your cards are lost or stolen.

• Citizens should also be cautious when it comes to home or business security during the holiday season. Keep your doors and windows locked. If you have an alarm system, use it. Don’t leave empty boxes on trash piles, as they advertise items that may be inside your home. 

Additional holiday safety tips can be found at the National Safety Council website at www.nsc.org/holiday-safety-tips. 

It is important to remember that crime prevention is a two-way street between law enforcement and the community. Those who are willing to provide these tips have the option to remain anonymous.

When providing information about criminal activity, please be as detailed as possible. Give as much information about the crime, such as the people involved, the location, the time and date the crime occurred, and any other information to solve the crime effectively. 

To report any criminal activity, call the VPD “Tip Line” at 229-293-3091 or email crime tips to [email protected]. The Valdosta Police Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

Valdosta City Council Work Session
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 
5:30 pm 
Council Chambers 

The City of Valdosta Mayor and Council meet for Work Session on the Tuesday before the first City Council meeting of each month.  The Work Session allows Council Members to spend an adequate amount of time discussing agenda items and hear special presentations relative to the agenda.  These meetings are open to the general public.  Work Session Meetings are recorded; however, minutes for the Work Session are not transcribed.

Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals Meeting
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
9:00 am 
City Hall Annex Building, Inspections Conference Room, 1st Floor

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals is responsible for reviewing and deciding specific appeals made by individuals concerning the interpretation or administration of the Construction Codes.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals meets on a quarterly basis, the second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Annex Building, Inspections Conference Room, 1st Floor, 300 North Lee Street, Valdosta.   View the Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals 2020 Meeting Dates.

Any City resident interested in serving on the Valdosta-Lowndes County Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals should submit a completed General Membership Application and a signed Code of Ethics Form to Teresa Bolden, City Clerk,  located in the City Manager and Mayor's office in City Hall, 216 East Central Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601.  Residents residing in unincorporated Lowndes County should contact the County Clerk at (229) 671-2400.

Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Airport Authority Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 2020
 8:00 am
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Parks & RecreationThe Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Georgia created by an act of the General Assembly (H.B. No. 893) and was established effective May 1, 1987. The basic responsibility of the Authority is to construct, own, maintain, expand, and operate any and all public airports in Lowndes County. The Authority is charged with the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a unified and coordinated airport system for public welfare, safety, and convenience. The Authority has all the powers necessary or convenient for its purposes, which include the power to contract for, lease, acquire, and dispose of any and all property required to accomplish the responsibilities of the Authority. The Authority has the responsibility to properly manage and account for all assets that come into its possession. The operating budget of the Authority shall be funded equally by the City and County from the general revenues of the local governments. The Authority has the responsibility to develop and expand sources of revenue generated by airport operations to reduce the need for local government revenues where such is reasonable and proper.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority meets the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Airport Conference Room located at 1750 Airport Road.  View the 2020 Airport Authority Meeting Schedule.

For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Jim Galloway, Executive Director, Valdosta Regional Airport, at (229) 333-1833 or E-mail, or visit the Valdosta Regional Airport website.