More than 60 people were arrested and 232 people stopped and searched over the weekend as Police stepped up their presence on the streets.

In the wake of three shootings last week, Police promised to have a heightened profile and according to a spokesman “as a result there were 61 arrests and 232 stop and searches”.

The spokesman added: “We would like to thank the public for their continued support as we police in these challenging times. We appreciate that some people were inconvenienced because of our efforts this weekend; however most people were very accommodating with officers and we thank them for their patience.

“The Bermuda Police Service remains committed to ensuring the safety of the community and with the continued assistance of the public we can more effectively address all crimes and incidents of anti-social behaviour.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police David Mirfield said: "It is not the intention of the Bermuda Police Service to inconvenience the law abiding Bermudian. What is our intention is to do everything in our powers to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs.

“If that means we stop and search more people then we will; if that means we stop and search cars, motorcycles and any other vehicle, then we will; if it means we fill our cells, then we will do that also, until such time that the law abiding citizen feels safe."

* See tomorrow’s Royal Gazette for the full story.