Message Regarding Campus Security Measures

by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. ('92, MA '94)

The following message was sent to the campus community on Friday afternoon, April 19.

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In response to a continuing series of break-ins that have occurred in recent years at off-campus student residences, the University Police Department in conjunction with Winston-Salem Police is increasing patrols of the neighborhoods near campus where some students live.

The most recent burglary and vehicle theft occurred on the night of April 18 on Palm Drive, off University Parkway. Thieves broke into a privately-owned house and stole two cars, electronics, jewelry, cash and more. The intruders took the cars after finding keys inside the house. The students living in the house were not home at the time of the incident, which occurred between 9 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

The Winston-Salem Police Department is investigating these crimes, as it typically does with such incidents that occur away from campus.

Wake Forest is in the process of establishing a new task force to examine safety and security issues on and around campus. Students, faculty and staff will serve on the task force, along with representatives of the University Police Department and the Winston-Salem Police Department.

These most recent steps by the University to address safety and security follow expanded security measures on campus this spring semester, such as increased foot and car patrols of key campus areas—such as north campus near Polo Road—as well as revising the operating time of the gatehouses. Currently, they are staffed from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., rather than beginning at 10 p.m. South Campus has also received extra patrol attention, recently. New fencing is planned for the northern quadrant of campus.

University Police recommends that all on campus remain alert to the possibility of crime and report suspicious people and incidents to police. On campus, call 911 from a campus phone or 336-758-5911 from a cell phone. Off campus, call 911 for Winston-Salem Police.

In addition, University Police encourages all to visit the University Police, Wake Alert and Wake Ready websites. Also available now is a new WFUPD SaferCampus mobile app.

Wake Forest Communications and External Relations

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

 

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support.