SECURITY guards have been employed at Letitia Spit, Fingal, in a desperate attempt to stop the damage being done by campers and people in four-wheel-drives and motorbikes.

The guards have been told to apprehend anybody involved in illegal activities and hold them until police arrive.

Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council acting CEO Leewena Williams said their decision to start the patrols was not made lightly.

"People have been going down there and actually hand-digging in the trenches and chain-sawing the fence," Ms Williams said.

"Three days after we put the fence up three posts were cut down.

"There were some wires cut down and they are cutting down trees to gain access."

She said the security guards could be on patrol at any time.

"They were engaged for the weekend just gone and they'll do random checks."

Inspector Darren Steel of Tweed Heads Police said the TBLALC is well within its rights to appoint a security guard in such a way.

"Anybody can make an arrest if any offence is being committed," he said

Ms Williams said the dangers spread further than just the environmental damage.

"We have members of our community down there getting food for the community and if there is a vehicle ploughing through the bush it's frightening to think about it.

"There was a pregnant lady on the beach and she almost got hit."

She said surfers and beachgoers were still welcome to visit the spit.

"We are not saying you cannot get to the beach. You just have to walk."