Cameras to protect basin

The city-owned Balboa Yacht Basin will likely be more secure now that

the Newport Beach City Council has finalized plans to outfit the

marina with cameras.

After a series of thefts from boats and cars in the area, the

city’s harbor resources division worked with the police department on

a recommendation that security cameras would be the best way to

prevent future crime.

“It’s more preventative because they seem to go in cycles,” marina

manager Lorrie Arcese said of the thefts.

When the number of thefts presented a need for a security system,

the city looked at several options, including installing a gated

fence, Arcese said. Security cameras were chosen because they were

the least invasive option, Arcese said.

“We looked at the gates, but they’re a lot harder for our people

and their guests to get in and out of,” Arcese said.

The cameras will cost the city slightly more than $31,000. Last

year the council budgeted $65,000 for a security system in the Balboa

basin. The project was delayed because of management restructuring.

The installation of the six digital recording cameras is expected

to happen within the next several months, Arcese said. Once the

cameras are in place, Arcese will review footage when necessary.

The 174 slips in the Balboa basin are the only slips in the harbor

owned by the city. The basin also includes 45 garages, three

apartments, two offices, a yacht club, a restaurant and a shipyard.

The cameras will likely be placed on each of the four docks, with

the remaining cameras installed where they can keep track of people

coming and going from the marina, Arcese said.

Tony Duni, president of Heritage Yacht Sales, whose office is

adjacent to the Balboa basin, said although he hasn’t experienced

security problems, he’s in favor of having security cameras watching

the marina.

“It’s probably not as effective as a locked gate, but it does

create a record if something happens,” Duni said.

The harbor resources division has received positive feedback from

boat owners about the security cameras, Arcese said.