BUSINESSES and tourist attractions on Weymouth seafront have ramped up security measures in response to a huge increase in visitor numbers.

Daren Deadman, owner of The Boat Café on The Esplanade, is among the businesses that have joined forces with security provider Real World Services to shore up defences, with particular emphasis during Weymouth's night-time trade.

The owner of the café said he has ramped up his security for the site after seeing a 25 per cent increase in business compared to previous years.

Dorset Echo: The Boat Café on The Esplanade during a busy Sunday afternoon The Boat Café on The Esplanade during a busy Sunday afternoon

Mr Deadman said: "Since the Covid restrictions eased, we've seen visitor numbers go through the roof.

"I’ve never seen the town so busy. Visitor numbers have been 40 per cent up and we've seen business increase by 25 per cent compared to previous years."

The collaboration with the security firm, which works with Weymouth Town Council, comes as Covid-19 restrictions eased on July 19 and the town has seen one of the busiest summers in decades due to holiday makers deciding to head to the south Dorset coast for a 'staycation' - as opposed to a flight abroad.

"We saw the work that Real World Services’ Beach Security Patrols were doing in conjunction with Weymouth Town Council’s Beach team. We wanted to be proactive and made sense to pay for the service too," said Mr Deadman.

"We’ve not had any issues - the security staff provide that extra presence during the evenings and night-time.

"They check on our premises at night and into the early hours and keep us updated, which gives peace of mind."

As well as working with the seafront café and the town council, the security provider patrol for other surrounding beach-based businesses, including the donkey rides, helter-skelter, trampolines and funfair rides.

With a record number of visitors flocking to the area and Weymouth beach this summer, emergency services have been stretched.

Paul Roberts, head of security at Real World Services, said: "Our patrol teams have had an extremely busy summer in a soft enforcement role.

"It's great to be working with Daren and the businesses surrounding The Boat Cafe who approached us to see how we could extend our services to cover and support them.

"The collaboration with the beachside business community has resulted in us expanding our workforce and recruiting additional security personnel."

"The last 20 months have been incredibly challenging times for businesses.

"Many of them have required additional security."