OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Oceanside officials are enhancing security at the harbor following recent criminal incidents.
Police are conducting more daily patrols in the area from noon to midnight, according to City Manager Jonathan Borrego. “Generally speaking, the number of crimes reported in the harbor has actually been trending downward in recent years, however, there were a couple of significant incidents that did take place,” according to Borrego.
The incidents include random baseball bat attacks in August and a stabbing in September.
Resident Rich Flores has noticed the enhanced security measures since the incidents took place. “I’ve even seen them [police] on the beach doing a lot more sweeps at night with their lights on, so yeah definitely. I’m all about it,” shared Flores.
There are also surveillance cameras at a parking lot near the harbor campground to help the city stay vigilant. “Particularly in the evening hours, because there really isn’t a physical presence out there to be monitoring what’s going on out there especially near the campground and fire rings,” according to Borrego.
More cameras are under consideration, along with imposing an 11 p.m. curfew on the fire rings at harbor beach. The idea of a manned kiosk near the harbor beach campground has also been floated.
Final decisions on additional security measures would be made by city council. Relevant discussions and votes may happen as soon as the end of this year or early next year.
