Dozens of arrests have been made in a pre-Christmas Police purge across the Island.

Officers have been targeting regular haunts ? so-called hotspots ? of those wanted on warrants or suspected of gang-related crime in recent weeks. A large number of Policemen have been involved.

"In recent days and weeks, Police have stepped up our visibility in and around Bermuda in an effort to a) keep a high profile over the holiday period and b) to send out a message to the community," Police spokesman Dwayne Caines told

"There is a clear message being sent to everyone that there will be little tolerance for anyone who is bent on breaking the law.

"Police officers are going to areas that are commonly called 'hotspots' and looking for anyone that is committing criminal acts.

"This operation has been highly successful and a number of arrests have been made.

"We would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can ensure the peace and tranquillity of Bermuda."understands that Police from a wide variety of different units, including Marine and Fraud officers, have been pulled in to take part in the festive frontline policing initiative and have been out on the street arresting those wanted on warrants.

"A number of different policing resources were used to facilitate our objectives," added Mr. Caines.

Many officers have had leave cancelled to ensure calm over the festive period while Police have confirmed that extra training has taken place in recent weeks to ensure two Police Support Unit teams will be working on New Year's Eve to prevent a repeat of last year's fighting on Front Street.