LA steps up security following terminal breach

The man was pursued by police at high speed through the port before mounting a crane at West Basin Container Terminal and plunging 150ft onto a docked freighter.

“Last week’s incident involving a subject in a stolen car illegally entering one of our terminals is something that we will learn from and we have taken immediate interim steps to correct,” said Gene Seroka, executive director, Port of Los Angeles.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of our workers and the security of our port complex.”

All operations at the terminal were put on hold while the incident played out.

As a first step, stringent modifications to access points have been put in place at the West Basin Container Terminal, along with additional security personnel and road barriers, among other measures.

In addition, the port said it is exploring more long-term solutions together with other agencies.

“I commend the Port of Los Angeles for quickly addressing the vulnerability revealed by last week’s police chase suspect,” said Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino.

“As our region’s biggest economic engine, it is critical to ensure the security of goods movement and the safety of the hard-working people who make our port the efficient machine that it is.”