PORT TOWNSEND – A recent theft of equipment has prompted Port of Port Townsend officials to seek a full-time night security officer to patrol port property by car and foot.
“It’s not going to stop every theft, but it’s better than what we have now,” said Larry Crockett, port executive director, who on Wednesday requested and received the port commissioners’ approval to negotiate for the position and make a hire.
Sometime during the March 31-April 1 weekend, thousands of dollars worth in Caicos Corp.-owned construction equipment was stolen off a barge and from a trailer inside a fenced staging area at Hudson Point Marina.
The company is renovating the marina.
Stolen was a 300-watt power generator, a chainsaw, drills, expensive welding rods and “come-alongs” used to secure equipment while in transport.
Crockett said it was the biggest theft on port property during the eight years he has been director.
The theft was reported to the Port Townsend Police Department, which is investigating.
A rash of smaller thefts were reported at the port-owned Port Townsend Boat Haven marina last fall.
Taken were small hand tools and other items left out in the open along the docks.
The port has in the past contracted with Security Services Northwest, which conducts night patrols.
The port commissioners on Wednesday, however, agreed that the time had come for a full-time overnight port security officer.
Pay and benefits for the position would be determined through union negotiations, official said.
