A message about recent vehicle break-ins and thefts at Wake Forest

by moorsb13

The message below was sent to the campus community:

The Wake Forest University Police Department is recommending that students, faculty and staff lock their vehicles on campus to help prevent vehicle break-ins and thefts.  In addition, the University Police Department is taking several steps to reduce the opportunity for these types of crimes to occur.

Reports of vehicle break-ins and thefts have spiked in recent weeks both on campus and around Winston-Salem. Since Oct. 27, the University Police Department has received nine vehicle break-in reports and two vehicle theft reports. In every case, vehicles had been left unlocked. In the two cases of stolen vehicles, the keys had been left in the car.

Break-ins occurred at the following lots:

  • Student Drive (off Polo Road), four incidents
  • Lot R2 (Spry Soccer Field), 2 incidents
  • Lot Q (across Wake Forest Road from Wait Chapel), 1 incident
  • Lot Z2 (off Polo Road), one incident
  • Wake Forest Baseball Park (Deacon Boulevard), one incident

The vehicle thefts occurred in parking lots P (adjacent to Wait Chapel, east side) and R2 (adjacent to Spry Soccer Field). The stolen vehicles were recovered by the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Examples of items taken in the break-ins include electronics and clothing.  In five of the nine break-ins nothing was taken.

In response to the recent upsurge, University and Winston-Salem police officers are increasing patrols of parking lots. The University Police Department, also, has increased the hours of security officers working in the Student Drive parking lot.

University Police Department officials have also been consulting with the Winston-Salem Police Department to get updates on similar incidents occurring in the city, especially in areas close to campus.

In addition, the University Police Department encourages students, faculty and staff to promptly report suspicious activity observed on and around campus.  The University Police Department can be reached at 336-758-5911, through the LiveSafe app or online.  The department is located in Alumni Hall.  With immediate concerns, all are encouraged to call the emergency number.

 

 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.