VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta Police Department wants to remind everyone during this holiday season it is extremely important to take steps to help prevent you from becoming the victim of theft.

Make sure to remove any items of value from your vehicle. If you are out shopping and need to put your purchases in your vehicle lock them in the trunk. Always lock the doors to your vehicle and then check the door handles to ensure they locked.

Never advertise your purchases or gifts. This includes placing empty boxes out near the roadway in plain sight. Make sure items that are to arrive via mail delivery to your home are immediately removed from the mailbox and porch area.

Be careful of what you post on social media. Thieves monitor social media as well, so do not let everyone know that you are not in town.

Lastly, please take photographs and write down serial numbers of your valuables. If you do become a victim of a theft, the police department will need this information to investigate the case.

“Thieves typically look for the easiest targets, so it is in all of our best interest to secure our homes and vehicles,” said VPD Lt. Scottie Johns. “We should always look out for our neighbors when we know they are not home and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.”