This week's shootings again displayed a truth about Bermuda that many people tacitly admit but try to ignore.

Violent crime can break out suddenly and with fatal consequences, although in this case, three people's lives appear to have been spared.

That does not lessen the gravity of the crime that has been committed, and it is a salutary reminder that in spite of amnesties and past crackdowns, there are still guns in the community.

Leaving aside the current Police investigation, it should be clear that the authorities need to move quickly both to deter further violent crime and to get guns off the street.

The calls by the candidates in today's mayoral election in Hamilton for more foot patrols and a greater presence in the city are well taken. It is astonishing that a Police Service with an establishment of more than 400 officers cannot seem to find anyone to provide an ounce of prevention.

Sadly, the time may also have come for restrictions on the liquor licences of frequent trouble spots, both on hours of operation and in terms of requiring further security on the doors, including metal detectors.

Failure to act now may result in disastrous consequences later. Three people were wounded this week. Next time the community may not be so lucky.