City of Valdosta Responds to Misleading Social Media Claims About Crime Statistics

The City of Valdosta is aware of a social media post circulating that claims Valdosta is the fifth most dangerous city in Georgia. The information being shared is inaccurate and is based on incorrect crime data that does not reflect the official statistics reported by the Valdosta Police Department.

The article being circulated lists Valdosta with 5,622 Part I crimes for 2025. However, the official number reported by the Valdosta Police Department for 2025 is 2,443 Part I crimes, less than half of the figure cited in the article.

Of the 2,443 reported Part I crimes in 2025:

• 2,240 were property crimes.
• 203 were crimes against persons.

The department investigated, and were above the National Average Clearance Rate, of:

• Homicides: 8, with 100% cleared- National Average 54.4%    
• Rapes: 13, with 54% cleared- National Average 30.6%
• Robberies: 53, with 81% cleared- National Average 28.8%
• Aggravated assaults: 129, with 91% cleared- National Average 46.4%
• Burglaries: 207, with 19% cleared- National Average 14%
• Motor Vehicle thefts: 138, with 43% cleared-National Average 12.3%

The department also experienced a 2% decrease in Part I crimes from 2024 to 2025, with crime remaining 3% below the department's seven-year average, reflecting continued progress in reducing crime throughout the community.

Seven-Year Average (2019–2025) for Part I Crimes

• Homicides: 9
• Rapes: 11
• Robberies: 59
• Aggravated Assaults: 132
• Burglaries: 275
• Motor Vehicle Thefts: 173

Calls for Service Continue to Decline

The department has also experienced a steady decline in calls for service over the past five years:

The consistent reduction in calls for service reflects the department's continued focus on crime prevention, community engagement, and proactive policing initiatives.

"The safety of our community is our highest priority, and we are proud of the dedication our officers demonstrate every day in serving the citizens of Valdosta," said Police Chief Leslie Manahan. "The continued reduction in crime and calls for service reflects the strong partnerships we've built with our community and our commitment to proactive policing.

The City encourages residents to verify information through official sources before sharing statistics or reports on social media. While public safety remains a top priority, it is equally important that conversations about crime are based on accurate and verified information.

The Valdosta Police Department remains committed to protecting the community through professional policing, transparency, and collaborative partnerships that continue to make Valdosta a safe place to live, work, and visit.