Here’s how the Port of Bellingham is responding to increased crime rates in Whatcom County

The Port of Bellingham has installed new security gates that will restrict after hours traffic in response to the rise in local crime rates.

The Port announced the new security gates will be operational in the next couple of weeks, in a Facebook post Wednesday, Sept. 28, adding that once operational, the gates will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

The new security gates are part of the Port enhancing security throughout Whatcom County in response to the rise in local crime rates, Port spokesperson Mike Hogan told The Bellingham Herald in an email.

Other measures include the installation of better lighting, alarm systems and security cameras, as well as increasing security patrols and tenant awareness, Hogan reported.

“Providing a safe environment for Port customers, Port employees and community members is a top priority for the Port,” Hogan wrote.

The Bellingham Police Department’s incident log shows that officers have been called to the 700 or 800 block of Coho Way 33 times since Jan. 1, The Bellingham Herald found. Of those 33, more than half were for theft (13 incidents) or vehicle prowling (seven incidents).

Hogan said the new gates at Squalicum Harbor will be open from dawn until dusk, matching the public park hours at Zuanich Point Park, which is accessible by car from Coho Way.

After-hours access will still be allowed with an access card or code, the Port’s post reported, adding that current moorage customers at Gates 5, 6 and 7 and web locker customers will have their existing cards and fobs automatically programmed to include access at the security gate.

Web locker customers who do not have an access card have already been mailed a letter notifying them to come into the harbor office, according to the post.

The Port of Bellingham announced Wednesday, Sept. 28, that it has installed new security gates at Squalicum Harbor.