By Malynda Fulton
VALDOSTA — In this season of giving, several offenders are taking, with the recent rash of theft crimes.
The most recent of major theft crimes in the area turned deadly Monday night when a gunman tried to rob a convenience store in Adel. The robbery attempt left the store owner dead and his son hospitalized in critical condition.
Earlier Monday, Beyond the Beach, located on Norman Drive in Valdosta, was robbed at gunpoint.
Other recent robberies in the area include the Dec. 9 armed robbery at Hardee’s on South Patterson Street, the Dec. 8 armed robbery at Naylors Pantry in Naylor, the Dec. 3 armed robbery at McDonald’s on North Ashley Street, the Dec. 2 armed robbery at Flash Foods on Gornto Road, the Nov. 12 armed robbery at Park Avenue Bank in Lake Park and the Oct. 29 armed robbery at New Valdosta Inn on West Hill Avenue.
Of these incidents, the New Valdosta Inn robbery is the only one that has
resulted in any arrests so far.
In addition to the rash of armed robberies in the past few months, there has also been a spike in residential and commercial burglaries and shoplifting, according to incident reports from local law-enforcement agencies. In the past week alone, at least seven people have been arrested for shoplifting from local stores, reports state.
Lowndes County Sheriff Chris Prine said that while theft crimes tend to increase around the holiday season, this year “seems to be exceptionally high on crime due to the economy.
“A lot of people are out of jobs and it seems to have escalated our problems with thefts, home invasions and robberies,” the sheriff said. “It also appears that the crimes are a little more aggressive than usual. However, we are doing our best to slow it down.”
Prine said that the sheriff’s office is being proactive by increasing patrol units to deter such crimes.
In addition to increasing patrol units, the Valdosta Police Department is utilizing its Mobile Command Precinct. From Black Friday to New Year’s Day, the Mobile Command Precinct is usually set up to monitor the activities around the mall and other businesses in the area. The vehicle, which is equipped with a camera, is able to pan in all directions and zoom into locations as far as one mile. The command center also has a breathalyzer and three-person jail cell. A Valdosta police officer is at the precinct at all times.
Anyone with information about any of the unsolved robberies is urged to contact the nearest law-enforcement agency immediately.
• The Valdosta Police
Department has offered these tips to help citizens avoid becoming the
victims of robberies or burglaries:
Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings at all times.
Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid that person or leave.
Stick to well-traveled and well-lit streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.
Don’t flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like jewelry.
Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps.
Try to use ATM machines in the daytime or have someone with you.
Have your car and house keys in your hand before reaching the door.
Avoid parking in isolated areas.
Always lock your car doors. Check inside the car before getting in. Keep all doors locked while
driving.
If you think someone is following you, don’t drive home. Drive to the police department or nearest fire station.
Don’t leave notes on your mailbox or doors
indicating your absence or return date and time.
