USA Today, Yahoo Travel and probably others recently named Myrtle Beach as one of their top ten spring break destinations.
This month, college students from across the country will head to the Grand Strand and that always presents a challenge for police to make sure citizens and spring breakers are safe.
Patrolling the streets of North Myrtle Beach during spring break is something officer William Mcloed has experience doing. For 2 years, he was part of an alcohol enforcement team.
“The main focus of this team is education. We don’t want to ruin these kids’ lives because everybody on the team, so far, is all fathers,” said Mcloed.
The alcohol enforcement team is something that was created because crime rates were up and Mcloed said the department realized the underlying issue was underage drinking.
But he said since the team was put in place, things have drastically changed.
“Sexual assaults, the B&E autos, the burglaries, the property damage crimes where people’s houses were getting messed up, those crimes have dropped significantly. Almost like a 75 percent drop,” said Mcloed.
Mcloed said the team will get in contact with schools before spring break and will contact real estate agents as well so they can be aware of the crowds coming in. But they also try to approach spring breakers as they come into town.
“If we see them coming in and start gathering we’ll stop and talk just casual contact, ‘Hey you know here are the rules, this is what you do, you know, obey these rules and won’t have no issues here in North Myrtle Beach,” said Mcloed.
The Myrtle Beach Police Department spokesperson said they are also preparing for the crowds. Officials there said one strategy they use is to speak with clubs and bars to give them tips on how to spot fake ID’s.
