Crack down on spring break crime

TREASURE ISLAND - Law enforcement all over Pinellas County say they plan on cracking down on excesses during spring break this year; Something they say has been a problem in the past, particularly in Treasure Island.

“It’s real nice when it’s not spring break time,” offered Treasure Island Resident Chett Parker.

Parker has lived just across the road from Sunset Beach for seven years. Come this time every year, he says he and his family see some unsightly behavior.

“The urination here, right here. I’ve seen women urinate right over here in my son’s yard,” added Parker.

The first round of the spring break crowd has now arrived in Pinellas County.

To promote a cleaner more pleasant experience, extra trash cans and port-o-potties are already in place. This year though, police say they will have help keeping an eye on the unruly vacationers.

“There are so many people that an officer can be five to seven feet away from something happening and not be able to see it,” according to Treasure Island Police Chief Tim Casey.

Newly installed beach cameras will aid police is tracking down offenders. They’re able to monitor the cameras from computers. It’s not without warning for beach-goers though. New signs posted on the beach clearly state there is video surveillance on Sunset Beach and that offenders can and will be charged with a crime caught on video.

“We have to send a message,” added Casey.

Parker says the littering and public urination is simply too much to bear. He has high hopes for the new measures.

“I think it’ll probably help a lot. That and the more police presence and the ticketing and stuff they’re going to do,” added Parker.

Treasure Island Police say they made just one arrest Sunday. The charge was underage drinking. In addition a number of citations were handed out for parking and traffic offenses.