Thugs are getting more brazen and dangerous with weapons, said Police as they revealed a gruesome haul of nearly 50 machetes, swords and clubs seized on the streets.

Sgt. Sean Morris said there were also up to 25 knives taken by the Police Support Unit (PSU) over the last four months.

?In the past people would hit with the flat side of a machete,? he said. ?Now they are using the sharp edge.

?In Middle Town recently, a kid got chopped into his bone. It was a deep cut.

?The other night there were people with machetes in Reid Street.

?Whereas in the past they would run when they heard sirens we got there and they were still fighting. The weapons were still in their hands.?

Axes, home-made billy clubs and doctored golf clubs were also seized from locations across the Island, including outside night clubs.

Sgt. Morris said the progressive escalation of violence was a particular fear considering Police know criminals have guns.

?You never know where they are going to be used,? he said. ?It is a cause for concern, people are not afraid to use anything.?

Sgt. Morris said the worst incident he has dealt with recently was the boat cruise riot where a firearm was spotted.

He said large machetes and swords are regularly being concealed in trousers and he urged parents to be aware of what their children were taking from the home.

?Find out why your son is leaving the house with a knife, why he is looking for a machete in the shed. That?s where they get them.?

The latest haul also included a set of heavy brass knuckles which are not illegal to carry under Bermuda law although this could change soon.

Under the current law people face maximum penalties of up to four years and up to $5,000 for carrying offensive weapons.

One of the weapons on display yesterday was a Samurai sword seized on Court Street three weeks ago which led to the owner being jailed for nine months.