Police investigating another surge in motor vehicle break-ins

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

After another sudden surge in motor vehicle break-ins, the Wake Forest University Police Department is again urging students, faculty and staff to lock their vehicles on and near campus to help prevent break-ins.  The University Police Department is continuing to take several steps to address the break-ins, but officers ask that the campus community members assist in the effort by locking their vehicles.

Today, Nov. 22, University Police became aware of 20 more vehicle break-ins on and close to campus.  It appears all of the vehicles were unlocked.  Locked vehicles parked nearby were not bothered.  All but one vehicle belonged to students.

The newest break-ins under investigation were discovered this morning. A person who worked on campus overnight realized early this morning that their car had been entered.  When officers responded to that report in Lot B (between Taylor and Davis residence halls), they began checking other vehicles that had doors ajar and interior compartments noticeably left open.  By noon, officers had checked cars across campus and in nearby student lots.

Break-ins were found at the following lots and streets:

  • Lot B, two incidents
  • Lot Q (across Wake Forest Road from Wait Chapel), six incidents
  • Lot Z (off Allen Easley Street, between North Campus Apartments and Student Apartments), five incidents
  • Lot Z 1 (at corner of Polo Road and Rosedale Circle), one incident
  • Allen Easley Street, three incidents
  • Friendship Circle (off Polo Road north of campus), three incidents

Property taken ranged from cash and change to a variety of inexpensive items.

The University Police Department first announced a surge in motor vehicle break-ins in a message emailed to campus on Nov. 7.  Those break-ins were identical to those recently discovered, with vehicles left unlocked and thieves taking similar items.

Wake Forest 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.

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