Local law enforcement beefing up patrols for SandFest

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By Azenith Smith

Story Published: Jul 9, 2008 at 8:09 AM PST

NORTH BEND - With the help of several grants, local law enforcement will be working overtime this weekend to keep the popular SandFest sports event safe for the public.

Starting Thursday, additional officers from Coos and North Bend Police as well as the Coos County Sheriff's Office will be patrolling the open sand dunes in North Bend.

With an expected turnout of about 3,000 attendees for the five-day event, Corporal Rod Roberts of the Sheriff's Office says, it's more likely for problems to occur, especially one in particular.

"We are concerned with activity that may go inside the event that they can't control, which would be underage drinking," says Roberts. "That's one of our concerns. In the evening, they will be gathering for awards and other stuff so we need to beef up for that issue."

Along with looking out for minors who may be drinking, they'll also be citing for DUII's, working traffic and crowd issues as well as assisting with ATV accidents.

Roberts says, the biggest cause for accidents is riding while intoxicated.

He also advises riders to be aware of their surroundings especially with more people out on the dunes, and the changing wind conditions.

Also, riders should make sure their flags and offroad tags are in place before heading out to the event, which ends Sunday.

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