Isla Vista Businesses Beef Up Security for Halloween

A crowd estimated to be in the range of 30,000 people is expected this weekend for Halloween in Isla Vista.

While law enforcement prepares for the massive crowds, local businesses are gearing up as well. In anticipation of Halloween they are increasing their staffing, installing security cameras, and keeping an eye on how many people come in and out of their doors.

The 7-Eleven in Isla Vista, has installed several security cameras and they also have an entire security team.

“This year we have a lot of security coming up that 7-Eleven gave to us, and we changed the schedule up. So I have my best team working at nighttime,” said Tony Sandhu, manager at the 7-Eleven in Isla Vista.

Just down the street, SOS liquor will be increasing their security as well.

“To make sure nothing gets stolen we are increasing staff. I said a lot of underage kids who can’t get alcohol, just come in and jack it off,” said Mousa Eltayyeb, of SOS Liquor.

While officers control the crowds on the streets, Isla Vista businesses will also control the crowds that come into their stores, by only letting a few people in at a time.

“We have a lot of security guards coming in, if there is a line we can hold people outside at like 10 or 20 at a time inside,” said Sandhu.