Steps have been taken to increase security at Tenby's Butts Field car park, the town's police chief revealed this week.

The measures have come in light of a spate of break-ins to coaches at the car park in recent months, leading to a threat by many tour operators to find alternative destinations for their holiday breaks if security was not stepped up in the area.

Meeting with town councillors on Tuesday night, Inspector Les Clark revealed that he, along with crime prevention officer PC Max Bevan, had met with local county councillor Michael Williams, Pembrokeshire County Council's Geoff Sutton and also representatives of the Health Authority and Silcox Coaches, to discuss crime prevention measures at the North Beach facility.

As a result of the discussions, Insp. Clark explained that it was likely that security fences would be erected around the car park in stages, with the first phase taking place within a matter of months to protect the most vulnerable area.

"This will at least force a thief into the open, which, due to the enhanced lighting at the car park, will leave them not where they want to be," said Insp Clark, who also told councillors that over a period of two years, 24 coaches had been attacked by thieves and vandals while parked overnight at the Butts Field site.

"There have been thefts of various items of property from the coaches, including brief cases left by drivers, mobile phones, CD equipment etc. On a few occasions, diesel has also been stolen. "Coaches in particular are at risk from crime as they are expected to park next to the wooded area, which affords easy and safe access to and from the scene of the crime.

"Often the cost of repairing damage caused to steal property exceeds the value of the property itself," continued Insp Clark, who also informed councillors that discussions were ongoing concerning the possible provision of CCTV cover for the car park, although finance for such a system could prove a stumbling block. "Whilst it is probable that a bid for the capital costs of providing a camera at the car park may be successful, the revenue costs are more problematic. The anticipated running costs of a camera after installation would be about £850 per annum," added Insp Clark.

Councillors agreed that the security measures being taken would make a huge difference in protecting the car park from crime and agreed to support the running costs of a new CCTV camera if one was to be installed.