VALDOSTA — A visiting artist who was in town for one day had about $10,000 worth of camera equipment stolen from his vehicle Sunday night.

Jamie Harmon, a former Turner Center gallery director, returned to Valdosta for an art exhibit at Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. 

Harmon said he came to town Sunday night and stayed at a friend’s house on West Park Avenue near Valdosta State University.

He was tired and decided to leave his equipment in his wife’s minivan instead of bringing it inside, he said. The van may not have locked, he said — in the morning all of his equipment was gone.

Police were notified and are investigating.

The items stolen include a camera body worth about $3,000 and six to seven camera lenses ranging from a couple hundred dollars to $1,000. There were also memory cards with photos Harmon took to show at the exhibit.

Harmon said he has notified friends about the stolen goods and asks for people to keep an eye out for someone trying to sell expensive camera equipment.

“It would be tough to get rid of the equipment,” Harmon said.

The equipment is insured but he doesn’t know how much he will be reimbursed. He said he accepts all responsibility for leaving the equipment in the vehicle and not double checking whether the doors were locked.

He said he doesn’t blame Valdosta. Now residing in Memphis, he understands things can be stolen anywhere. 

“I have nothing bad to say about Valdosta,” he said. “That’s just the world.”

If anyone has any information about the whereabouts of Harmon’s camera equipment, they are encouraged to contact the Valdosta Police Department.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256