Racist graffiti found on boats in Bay Shore Marina reignites calls for greater security
Boat owners tell News 12 this most recent vandalism is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to problems at the marina.
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Frustration grows for boaters docked at the Bay Shore Marina after Suffolk police say someone spray-painted racist graffiti on two boats Tuesday.
Boat owners tell News 12 this most recent vandalism is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to problems at the marina.
"People doing donuts. They're racing up and down. Can't sit on your boat because you smell pot all the time,” said Lawrence McCourt, of Ronkonkoma.
John Danielle, of East Islip, says he came down to the marina Wednesday after hearing about the vandalism.
"That's why I came down to look at my boat today,” he said. “I've been here 10 p.m., and there are parties going on."
One boater, who asked to be referred to as Debbie, says the problems spill onto their boats.
"People coming down the docks and boarding our boats and snapping pictures and selfies and going through coolers,” she said.
The concerns about a lack of security have even pushed some boaters out of the marina like George Gyarmathy, of West Islip.
"There's just not enough security and safety here,” he said. "This is my first year not here and it cost me about 50% more, about $1,000 more to not be here. And it's a shame because I do love it here."
In a statement to News 12, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said in part, “The Town stands ready to cooperate in any way possible. We have absolute zero tolerance for this type of behavior.”
Boaters say the solutions are simple.
"Put security up at the gates, charge admission,” said McCourt.
Debbie just hopes for some change to happen after years of security concerns.
"Do something. We pay our taxes. We pay you to be here in the marina. We expect to be safe. We expect our property to be safe," says Debbie.
Local businesses say they're surprised to learn about what happened and didn't see anything on their security cameras when police reviewed the video.
Suffolk police are still searching for whoever did this.
