Police Stepping Up Patrols This MDW In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Md. (WJZ)—With more than a quarter of a million people heading to Ocean City this weekend police are on high alert.

Tracey Leong explains how they are stepping up patrols this Memorial Day Weekend.

Police want to make sure you stay safe when you head to Ocean City, one way they are doing it, they're using these surveillance cameras to monitor criminals, something they've set up all along the boardwalk.

When you hit the boardwalk rest assure the police are keeping a watchful eye on all suspicious activity.

"We want them to leave here the same way they arrive, safe and sound," said Ross Buzzuro, Ocean City Police Chief.

The police chief says cameras deter bad behavior, especially for an area typically overflowing with visitors. Since installing them last year police say crime has dropped significantly.

New this summer, the resort town is drawing a line in the sand on smoking making 99 percent of their beach and boardwalk smoke-free with designated spots to light up.

"We want to make sure we do our part to be environmentally sensitive, we want to provide the environment we think the large majority visitors and residents are looking for," said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

Another safety initiative is the coastal city's Walk Smart, Bike Smart program, which is reminding beach goers to use crosswalks and be courteous of others when driving and biking.

Ocean City invites people to enjoy their vacation, but reminds them to obey the laws while doing so.

"Just to respect and be courteous to our town, carry on but don't get carried away," Buzzuro said.

Police have more than 20 cameras set up along the boardwalk, and dozens of others scattered throughout the city to make sure you stay safe.