SANDMAN Mark Anderson is stepping up security after raids on his display centre on Weymouth Beach.

A thief forced open the door of his hut in one raid to steal about £100 in coins.

Sand sculptures were damaged in another break-in when a raider climbed on them to get in through the hut window in the compound.

Now Mr Anderson has appealed for witnesses and anyone with information about the attacks to contact the police as soon as possible.

He said: “It has actually happened about three times this year.

“I don’t tend to leave money in there, usually.

“It’s very frustrating and if anyone has seen anything I would like them to get in touch with the police.”

Mr Anderson said that the money had been collected and left in a Buildrite bag in the hut when it was stolen.

He also had a mobile phone stolen from his hut this month.

Mr Anderson said that he was not leaving money in the hut now and has fitted an alarm system.

He also stressed that there was CCTV on the seafront which covered his enclosure, The Esplanade and beach.

Mr Anderson travels around the country and the world building sand sculptures. He has recently been filmed by Butlins for a video which has gone on You Tube about how to build the perfect children’s sandcastle.

He is also due to head off to some Butlins parks to make guest appearances to show how to make the sandcastles.

He took over the sand sculptor’s role from his grandfather Fred Darrington in 1996.

The late Mr Darrington spent nearly 50 years making the elaborate models on Weymouth beach before retiring and handing the reins to Mr Anderson.

Police said that a man from Weymouth was arrested after a break-in at the hut in the early hours of May 15 but was later released without charge due to insufficient evidence.

Witnesses and anyone with information about the raids should call 01305 222222.

n james.tourgout@dorsetecho.co.uk