Tourists coming to Exmouth and East Devon are being urged to plan ahead and respect communities as the Bank Holiday weekend getaway begins.

Many thousands of visitors, some already in the region, are expected to be residing in the area over the three day holiday with congested roads and demand on all emergency services resources expected to be high.

Tourism bosses are already predicting the region is at full capacity, so the message to all visitors is book ahead and plan your trip, expect delays on the road network, and when you do come, support and enjoy the local economy, but do it respectfully.

Latest figures for August 2020 show 999 call demand remains at record levels with a 13 per cent increase in calls on the same period in 2019 – averaging almost 1,000 per day and rising to 1,200 during busy days and weekends.

While inclement weather has meant this demand has steadied in recent days, last weekend, August 24 and 25, still saw the force receive 2,039 999 calls over the two days.

Incidents of anti-social behaviour across the force have continued to rise throughout August.

Environmental ASB – such as littering, fly tipping and wild camping – has now seen 240 reports to police, up 29 per cent on the same period in 2019.

Meanwhile nuisance ASB has seen 2091 reports, up more than 20 per cent on 2019, and personal ASB – often drink related – has seen 1,187 reports which is up more than 23 per cent on 2019.

Public order offences, again often drink related, are up more than 32 per cent in August with 59 incidents reported across the force over the last weekend alone.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: "We know that for much of our tourism economy the Bank Holiday brings opportunity to try and make up for revenue lost during lockdown earlier this year. We are working to support this and hope everyone can enjoy our towns, beaches and moors in a safe and respectable manner."

"Demand on police and all emergency services, including HM Coastguard, has been enormous during August. We had undertaken significant planning for a busy summer and I'm immensely proud of how all the agencies have responded to this challenge.

"Sadly, we have seen tragedy on the coastline, and I want to remind people to respect the water and to use beaches where we have lifeguards. We have also experienced tragedy on the roads and during what will be a weekend of high volumes of traffic remind people to take extra time and extra care."

"The levels of ASB and public order offences are entirely unacceptable. Drink related issues have been particularly prevalent but are avoidable if people remember their limits and act responsibly. We do not want the weekend ruined by inconsiderate actions"

ACC Mayhew added: "Ahead of what is traditionally a peak weekend for the South West all emergency services and partners have been working together. We are confident the South West is well prepared and look forward to enjoying the sunshine, but planning any journey to Devon and Cornwall is hugely important. If you travel without booking accommodation first you are unlikely to be able to find any in the region when you arrive.

"COVID-19 has not gone away and remains a very real threat in our communities. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, takeaways, shops and enclosed public spaces such as museums, galleries and cinemas as well as places of worship.

"We would ask everyone to respect each other and maintain social distancing whenever possible."

"Together, we can all enjoy the weekend with the favourable weather."