The Bermuda Police Service have “shifted into high gear” for the new year’s weekend, with extra officers on duty across the island.

Superintendent Robert Cardwell said that there had been an increased number of officers on the beat in recent weeks, with that number to rise even more this weekend.

“Going into this weekend, our heightened police presence is bolstered with additional resources across the community policing division and the tactical division,” he said.

“We are literally planning to be everywhere, all at once, so you will see a lot of police officers moving around.”

Mr Cardwell said the extra manpower was organised by juggling shifts, with the co-operation of the island’s officers.

“It is necessary to prevent against individuals who choose to not act in a lawful manner or who want to spoil new year’s festivities,” he said.

“Antisocial behaviour is unacceptable and anybody participating in antisocial behaviour can expect to be arrested and can expect to be detained until the next available court date, which would be Tuesday.”

Mr Cardwell urged motorists to drive safely and within the speed limit, noting that roadside sobriety checks had already begun in advance of the weekend.

He said that people typically do take notice of the roadside sobriety checkpoints when they are announced and that the police service generally see a reduction in drunk-driving and driving under the influence when they are in place.

“We hope that will continue this holiday weekend,” Mr Cardwell added. “We are not telling you don’t drink; we are saying that if you do drink, drink responsibly.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Sean Field-Lament said: “What we are trying to achieve, with the co-operation of the public, is another peaceful, relatively uneventful period so we can start the new year on a clean slate.

“I am appealing to the public to have a plan in place in terms of what they are going to do for transportation and, if you are drinking, either have a designated driver or abstain from driving yourself or secure some alternative means of transportation.”

Mr Field-Lament highlighted the sacrifices made by officers every year during the holiday season to help ensure safer celebrations for the public.

“While people are enjoying their ham, cassava pie and turkey, they are out working, and when people are popping champagne and singing Auld Lang Syne, they are out there making sure people can get home safely,” he said.

Mr Field-Lament urged the public to do their part by heeding the warnings and abiding by the law.

“Let’s have a safe, fun holiday and not start the new year with a mistake,” he added. “We have a plan in place and I suggest everyone else has a plan in place. That way we can avoid mistakes taking place.”