Wake Forest Police Department

09/05/2026

Due to downed power lines, Burlington Mills Road is closed between 1 World Way and Urial Drive.

Motorists should avoid the area.

There is no timetable for when the road will reopen.

09/05/2026

***UPDATE - Tanisha Louise Alford has been located and she is safe.

The information below was posted at 3 p.m.:

Police requesting public’s assistance locating missing person

WAKE FOREST, NC - The Wake Forest Police Department is requesting the public’s help locating a missing person. Tanisha Louise Alford (photo attached) was last seen today at noon along the 100 block of Oakwood Drive in Wake Forest.

Tanisha, 50, is a black female with short black hair and brown eyes standing approximately 5’8” tall and weighing 170 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and either black or gray pants.

Tanisha suffers from a form of cognitive impairment. If asked, she will not know her home address or telephone number. She has no money but has been known to ask for money for ci******es and food. Wake Forest Police are in close contact with Tanesha’s family.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Tanisha Alford is urged to call the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150.

09/04/2026

The Wake Forest Police Department is hosting a FREE BikeSafe Rider Skills Day on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:45 a.m. Riders will learn from police officers and certified BikeSafe assessors through classroom instruction and on-road coaching designed to improve safety, confidence, and technique.

⚡️Limited to 6 riders
⚡️Advance registration required by Wednesday, Sept. 23
⚡️Must have a valid motorcycle endorsement or permit, registered/insured bike, and proper riding gears

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/WFBikeSafeNCRiderSkillsDay

Contact Cpl. Adam Eldridge at 919-554-6150 or [email protected] for more information

09/03/2026

A vast majority of the reported car break-ins and thefts in Wake Forest involve unlocked vehicles.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim is by always locking your unoccupied vehicles, removing your valuable items and any extra set of keys from the vehicle, and double-checking to make sure your car is locked before going to bed at night. If an item can’t be removed, then it’s best to make sure it is out of sight to potential crooks looking for an easy target.

The WFPD relies on the Town’s citizens to be its eyes and ears. Anyone witnessing or experiencing suspicious activity is urged to call the police department at 919-554-6150 or 919-556-9111. You may remain anonymous.

For more safety tips, visit https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/police/crime-prevention/safety-tips.

09/02/2026

Join us for the 2026 WFPD National Night Out on Monday, Oct. 5 from 5-7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Rd!

The event promises something for everyone, including a DJ, games, food, special prize drawings, and fire and police vehicles, along with a variety of booths highlighting crime prevention and safety.

The Wake Forest Police Department will be on hand distributing information on topics such as vehicle security, home security and personal safety. Officers will hold a K-9 demonstration, D.A.R.E. presentation and share information on Neighborhood Watch, Special Olympics and much more.

What is National Night Out (NNO)? The event teams law enforcement agencies with citizens, community leaders, civic groups and local businesses to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods. The NNO observance is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/WFNationalNightOut

09/02/2026

SCAM ALERT! No law enforcement agency will ever contact you by phone & request payment for missing a jury summons or any other legal matter

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is again urging community members to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following several recently reported phone scams involving Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency by callers impersonating local law enforcement officers.

Don’t become a victim. If you receive a suspicious phone call, do not provide personal information and do not send any money. Instead, ask the caller for their name, badge number, and the department they claim to represent. Hang up and independently verify the information by contacting the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150. Do not use any phone numbers provided by the caller.

Your safety and financial security are important. Please stay alert and share this information with others who may be targeted.

If you believe that you are a victim of this type of crime, report it to the Wake Forest Police Department at 919-554-6150.

09/02/2026

We recommend home and business owners, to take a minute and go through the below checklist if you have a video surveillance system. You might be surprised what you find. Surveillance systems provide an extra set of eyes and security but only when the cameras are working, the review/backup function is accessible, and the camera view isn't obstructed. Make sure your system is ready to provide you that back up support, if you ever need it!

1. Do you know your username and password?

2. Is the date and time correct?

3. Are all the cameras working?

4. Are the camera lenses clear of dust, debris and cobwebs?

5. Are the camera views unobstructed by trees, shrubbery, and structural overhangs?

6. Are the cameras in recording mode or live view only?

09/01/2026

Meet the team.

Officer Woodall is currently assigned to the patrol division on C squad.

09/01/2026

Please welcome Officer Magana!

Please join us in welcoming our new Town of Wake Forest employees!

➡️ Hailey Merrick - PRCR Special Events Coordinator
➡️ A. Magana - Police Officer I
➡️ Nathaniel Allain - Tree Trimming Tech I

We are excited to welcome them to our team!

09/01/2026

Join us for “Coffee with a Cop” on Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Stewart’s Bistro.

“Coffee with a Cop” provides a unique opportunity for law enforcement and community members to come together in an informal, neutral setting to discuss community issues and build relationships - one cup of coffee at a time.

Most of the contact law enforcement officers have with the public tends to occur during emergencies or emotional situations, which are often not the best times to build relationships. “Coffee with a Cop” aims to breaks down barriers and allow for relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

All community members are invited to attend, ask questions, and learn more about the WFPD.

The WFPD plans to host future “Coffee with a Cop” events over the next several months at shops and restaurants throughout Wake Forest. For more information, email Sgt. J. McArthur at [email protected].