Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton has urged Bermudians to act ?safely and responsibly? on New Year?s Eve ? while it was announced yesterday that up to 160 Police officers will be deployed Island-wide to deal with any disturbances.

Addressing the media at a press conference in the Cabinet room, Mr. Horton promised the ?the full weight of the law? would be brought down upon any individual who ?interrupts the peace? on the night.

Reflecting more generally on 2004 meanwhile, the Minister conceded he was becoming increasingly concerned about the rising levels of violent crime recorded in 2004.

?As I have stated in the recent past, both on the floor of the House of Assembly and at press conferences such as this one, all is not well in Bermuda,? he said.

?Much too often during the past year, I have had cause to address the people of Bermuda regarding incidents of lawlessness ? including assaults with machetes and other offensive weapons and assaults on seniors and minors ? that left most caring residents recoiling in horror. Occurrences of this kind are totally unacceptable in the Bermudian landscape and they cannot, they will not be tolerated.?

?You will all know that in the past we have experienced lawlessness on the occasion of New Year?s Eve,? he continued.

?I wish to remind people that the Bermuda Police Service will be doing all that it can to counter any act of lawlessness that might take place as the weekend unfolds.

?Those who break the law in any way will be subject to arrest.

?The Government stands solidly with the Police asnd will make available those resources that are required in order to guarantee the kind of safe and secure society that all of us have a right to expect.?

In his final media statement of the year, Mr. Horton concluded by thanking all members of the emergency services, as well as the Bermuda Regiment and corrections system for their ?dedicated, efficient and impartial manner? in which they discharge their responsibilities.

?On behalf of the Premier and my Government colleagues, I express the hope that all residents of Bermuda will have a most enjoyable celebration on New Year?s Eve,? he said.

?We keep in our prayers those in the Indian Ocean region who are experiencing unspeakable pain and suffering as a result of the recent tsunamis.?

Premier Alex Scott will be reading a proclamation to launch the 2005 Quincentennial celebrations in St. George?s town square at midnight on Friday.