Police will have a visible presence on the Waterfront

In the past six weeks, businesses in the area have reported a marked increase in disruption they say is caused by groups of young people.

Bottles have been thrown into the marina, causing damage to boats, and obstructions have been placed across roads.

The area is patrolled by security guards, but from this weekend the police will be increasing the officers visible in the area in an effort to stop such incidents.

Tenants say they have had an increasing number of problems with young people.

Geoff Borman from the Waterfront Enterprise Board, said the fire service was being called out twice a week because the car park sprinklers have been set off, and customers have been spat at and intimidated.

He said: "What we're now doing is taking up a very coordinated approach with the harbours, tenants, police and our own security force to stamp out a spate of trouble before it escalates into anything further."

Police say they will make arrests if they have to.