The island can expect some disruption to movement caused by a police activity in response to “three confirmed firearms incidents in a matter of days”, Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, told the community.

Mr Simons spoke after a man was wounded on Wednesday night in Devonshire, within a week of two cases of multiple shots fired in Pembroke and Southampton.

Mr Simons said the Bermuda Police Service was determined to “bring those responsible to justice and to prevent these situations from threatening the safety and wellbeing of residents”.

He added: “To that end, there will be a further stepping up of our already heightened presence in communities across the island.”

The commissioner warned residents to expect likely disruptions due to “increased stop-and-search activity, traffic calming and other initiatives, the specifics of which it would not be prudent to disclose”.

Mr Simons appealed for the public to acknowledge its role in speaking up to make the island safer.

“When these incidents occur, there are often witnesses or individuals with knowledge of what has happened. People who are aware of those involved.

“Yet when appeals are made for assistance, the silence is too often deafening. That must change if things are to improve and this pattern of violence is to end.”

Mr Simons said there had been repeated successes after the BPS got “supported by individuals coming forward to provide information on criminal activity”.

“Most recently during Bermuda Day celebrations, two suspects were arrested following an assault on Front Street in the City of Hamilton, thanks entirely to members of the public saying what they knew.”

He added: “I understand there is fear in speaking up. Possible reprisal, although very rare, is real. That's why we have put measures in place to protect you. We've introduced an online reporting portal at bps.portal.bm where information can be provided anonymously.”

Mr Simons highlighted the anonymous and secure Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477, which is independent of the BPS and based outside Bermuda.

He also addressed the “no snitching” culture that “keeps people silent”.

“When you refuse to provide information on crimes and criminal activity, you're not protecting anyone. What you're doing is leaving your neighbourhood vulnerable.

“When information stays silent, criminals move freely in your community. When you speak up, you protect the streets where your family lives.

“Providing information to the police isn't snitching. It's protecting your community and your own safety and wellbeing. It's doing what's necessary to make the place you live safer for everyone.”

Mr Simons acknowledged that the women and men under his watch were tasked with making the island safer.

“It's a responsibility that I can say, hand on heart, we are committed to — and all of Bermuda must do their part,” he said.

“We cannot do this alone. Together, we can change this. Together, we can make our island home safer.”