LAGUNA BEACH : New Vehicle Starts Night Beach Patrols

The city has invested $3,100 in a new all-terrain vehicle so police can continue a popular new policy of patrolling local beaches at night, Deputy Police Chief Jim Spreine said.

The program began last month, the night after an armed rape and robbery at Crescent Bay Beach, but hit a snag when the patrol vehicle broke down less than three weeks later.

Police continued patrolling the beaches by foot and, where possible, in a 4-wheel-drive Chevrolet Blazer, but they were unable to cover as much ground.

When Spreine explained the problem at last week’s City Council meeting, Councilman Robert F. Gentry encouraged someone to donate a similar vehicle.

However, considering the popularity of the program, Spreine said, the city chose not to wait and purchased a blue 1993 ATV, which was put into action last Thursday.

“It’s back up and running,” Spreine said. “We recognized the importance of protecting our citizens, and we want them to feel comfortable in their community.”

The four-wheel motorcycle-like vehicle is currently on patrol nightly from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m. at beaches and Heisler Park, between Cleo Street and Crescent Bay.

In the first three weeks, Spreine said, dozens of arrests were made, mostly of juvenile curfew violators. Police have also discovered that some people, often Laguna Beach residents, continue to enjoy the beach late at night, Spreine said.

Police ask late-night beach-goers if they know about recent violence in the city, Spreine said. The problems include a shooting last month in Heisler Park, three weeks before the Crescent Bay Beach rape.

“They are aware, but they feel they want to continue to use the beaches,” Spreine said. “They’re willing to take the chance.”

The City Council listened to two hours of debate last week by residents for and against a beach curfew. Instead of pursuing such a possibility, the council voted to continue the beefed-up police presence at city parks and beaches.