Off Campus Break-ins Investigated

The Office of Communications and External Relations shared the following message with the Parent Programs office regarding off campus break-ins.

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During the winter break, the Winston-Salem Police Department has been investigating a series of house break-ins in the neighborhoods next to Wake Forest’s Reynolda Campus. Break-ins have occurred at nearby off-campus homes of local residents and houses rented by Wake Forest students who were away for the holidays.

The Wake Forest University Police Department has assisted Winston-Salem investigators.  University Police officers have worked, in part, to contact students whose houses were broken into.  In addition, University Police officers have assisted Winston-Salem officers in patrolling the areas next to campus affected by the break-ins.

So far, the Winston-Salem Police Department’s investigation has led to arrests and more warrants are pending against others suspected of being involved.

The University has e-mailed information about the break-ins to students who rent houses off-campus, including University-owned and privately-owned residences. In that message, the Office of Residence Life and Housing reminded students to take reasonable precautions.

In part, the message reads, “We want to advise you to continue to take safety precautions as you return to your residences. Upon your return, please ensure that your doors and windows are still secure and your personal property is all as you left it before the break. If anything seems unusual or out of place, please contact the WSPD (911 or 773-7700) or WFU PD (758-5591) immediately.”

Items taken in the break-ins included electronics, jewelry and clothing. Student-owned automobiles were stolen in some cases, but police recovered the automobiles.

The University is providing this information on this web page now, in part, so that families may help remind and assist their students with safety measures at off-campus properties.

University officials are dedicated to creating a safe learning and living environment for students.  Throughout the year, officials take opportunities to remind students to take reasonable steps to protect their personal safety and their property.

As Winston-Salem police continue the investigation, Wake Forest officers will provide assistance where appropriate.