On Jan. 28, Wake Forest published a Community Safety Advisory Message and subsequent update addressing a string of scooter thefts that occurred the weekend of Jan. 24 and Jan. 25. These thefts were reported to have taken place near Manchester Plaza.
The University Police Department (UPD) is currently investigating the incidents, which they believe are the work of a single perpetrator. The university distributed an image of the suspect, captured using a campus surveillance camera, to all Wake Forest students and faculty.
“UPD officers are actively working with the Winston-Salem and Kernersville Police Departments to identify the suspect,” Major Jamie Herring of the Wake Forest University Police Department said.
This is not the first incident of stolen scooters this school year.
“Two community safety advisory messages have been sent via Wake Alert this year regarding scooter thefts on campus,” Senior Director of University Marketing and Communications Kimberly McGrath said, referring to the Jan. 28 message and a Jan. 13 notice of seven scooter thefts that occurred over winter break.
No suspects were identified in connection with the thefts over break. All seven involved scooters that were stored on campus near residence halls.
“Nearly all the scooters reported stolen on campus were not secured with locks,” Major Herring said.
University Police emphasized the importance of locking parked scooters and bicycles at all times. They also recommend that students leave their scooters and bicycles parked in well-lit areas and register their property with UPD.
“Students should always keep a copy of their scooter’s serial number,” Major Herring said. “If it is later stolen and reported to police, the scooter can be placed into the National Crime Information Center as stolen. If it is later located by police, the possessor can be charged with possession of stolen property, and the scooter can be returned to its owner.”
Wake Forest community members with any information regarding reports of stolen scooters are encouraged to contact University Police at 336-758-559 or email [email protected]. Additionally, if an emergency arises on or off campus, students and staff should contact 336-758-5911.
