Release from the Valdosta Police Department
VALDOSTA – On May 19, 2016 at approximately 11:41 am, a concerned citizen observed several subjects, both adults and juveniles, forcibly enter a residence where the homeowner was known to not be present. The citizen immediately called E-911 to report the incident. Valdosta Police Department patrol officers and on duty K-9 units responded to the scene to investigate the report. As soon as the officers were present and announced themselves, multiple subjects began fleeing the residence. One subject was arrested at the residence while the remaining suspects fled into the nearby neighborhood. Through the officer’s investigation, and with the assistance of the K-9 unit, the remaining four suspects were caught and taken into custody.
Three adults and two juveniles now face charges:
Demetrius Smith: Burglary (FELONY), Obstruction of an Officer (Misdemeanor), and Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor)
William Berrian: Burglary (FELONY), Obstruction of an Officer (Misdemeanor),
Kendrick Thomas: Burglary (FELONY), Obstruction of an Officer (Misdemeanor),
Juvenile: Burglary (FELONY), Obstruction of an Officer (Misdemeanor),
Juvenile: Burglary (FELONY)
The adults were transported to the Lowndes County Jail and the Juveniles were turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The Valdosta Police Department wants to warn citizens of the rising number of Burglaries in the City of Valdosta. The Detective Bureaus’ Burglary Unit continually analyzes data. According to the Burglary Unit, the most common items being stolen are laptop computers, game systems (XBOX/PlayStation, etc.), and flat-screen televisions. Chief Childress has directed the Patrol Division to increase high visibility patrols in our city’s residential neighborhoods and well as increased communication with residents. The Burglary Unit recommends writing down all serial numbers of items in your home especially such as those mentioned.
Additional Burglary Prevention Tips:
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• Communicate with neighbors, friends, relatives about travel plans
• Do not advertise on social media about plans to leave home
• Leave lights on at night
• Request extra patrol from the Valdosta Police Department
• When new electronics are purchased, DO NOT leave the box/packaging by the side of the road for trash pickup; this advertises to potential thieves that a new item is now present in your home.
“The relationship between the citizens and the police department is vital in combatting burglaries. The information and tips received from citizens by calling the police anytime they witness suspicious activity is essential in stopping burglars”, said Lieutenant Bembry.
