Following four alleged murders since last Boxing Day, crime is now the single most important issue to Bermuda residents, a new survey reveals.

It has leapfrogged drugs in the study by Total Research Associates, which shows 21 percent of people put crime as their top concern, compared to 13 percent ten years ago.

During that time, the percentage of people citing drugs as their main fear has fallen from 17 percent to four percent.

Meanwhile, housing is now the second most important issue to residents (20 percent, up from six percent a decade ago); and education third (15 percent, up from nine percent). Government remains the same at seven percent.

Last month's Elbow Beach party stabbing death of 18-year-old college student Kellon Hill followed three alleged murders of young Bermudians in the previous nine months. Aquil Richardson was shot dead on Boxing Day 2007; Matthew Clarke stabbed to death in April; and schoolgirl Rhiana Moore was killed in June.

The deaths, as well as a drive-by shooting in Pembroke, have led to lengthy debate about violence plaguing the Island, with Cabinet even saying it is considering bringing in a SWAT team to tackle gangs.

Total Research released the figures as it attempted to signal trends during the ten years it has been tracking public opinion on the Island.

Bermuda's lack of affordable homes has seen Government come under fire in recent years, although a number of projects are now in the pipeline, including a plan for a six-storey apartment block in Hamilton.

Meanwhile, Government is responding to severe criticism by overseas schools expert Professor David Hopkins with an overhaul of its education system.