Two police forces are urging tourists to plan their visits ahead of the bank holiday weekend and thousands are expected to visit Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.
Police expect there will be an increased demand on all emergency services with heavily congested roads.
Devon and Cornwall Police said 999 call demand was at record levels averaging 1,000 per day on higher on busy days and weekends to 1,200.
Littering and fly-tipping and wild camping rose by 29%, public order offences up by 32% and anti-social behaviour was up by 20%.
Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “Demand on Dorset Police and all emergency services has been enormous during August.
“However, the levels of ASB and public order offences are entirely unacceptable and cannot go unchallenged.
“Drink-related issues have been particularly prevalent and I would ask our resident communities and visitors to know their limits and act responsibly.
“Covid-19 has not gone away and remains a very real threat in our communities.
“Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, in 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.”
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew, of Devon and Cornwall Police, urged anyone thinking of travelling to the South West of England to book accommodation before they set off.
“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,” he said.
“We are working to support this and hope everyone can enjoy our towns, beaches and moors in a safe and respectable manner.
“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.”
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