Sunset Beach : Sheriff and Residents Take Anti-Crime Steps

Residents are hopeful that increased beach patrols by Orange County sheriff’s deputies and formation of a Neighborhood Watch organization will reduce crime in this unincorporated part of the county.

“I think we’ve turned this around,” said Roy Steed, who will head the Neighborhood Watch group. He said residents annoyed by speeding drivers and beach-goers tearing up fences for firewood had long sought increased protection, but a determined campaign was begun last February after a woman was raped during daylight hours.

Off-duty deputies will help install the first Neighborhood Watch signs in the area on Saturday. The Sheriff’s Department helicopter will land at Pacific Avenue and 2nd Street shortly before 10 a.m. for a dedication ceremony.

Sheriff’s Lt. George Johnson said one officer will be assigned to the community at all times. Previously, two officers divided their time between Sunset Beach and Rossmoor. He said the department hopes to achieve an average emergency response time of five minutes.

Johnson said much of the area’s problem stems from the large number of visitors coming into the area, especially during summer months. Officers will watch for drug and alcohol use on the beaches and enforce an 11 p.m. curfew, he said.