Police and the courts are to get more powers to crack down on the young thugs who are causing mayhem at sporting events and concerts, Public Safety Minister Randy Horton announced yesterday.

Sentences for assault will double, Police will be given the powers to arrest suspects at these events without warrants, and sentences can be increased if attacks take place in designated areas like schools, Bermuda College, the National Sports Centre, and other public places.

And he said there would be a heavy Police presence for Cup Match this year in Somerset to ensure they don't disrupt the event. Mr. Horton told the House of Assembly that gangs of hooligans were now choosing sporting events such as Friendship Final at Wellington Oval to fight.

"It has become increasingly evident to Government, law enforcement professionals and the public at large over the last few months and years that certain anti-social and lawless elements in our society have targeted public events like the White Hill Field concert and the Friendship Trophy final as preferred locations for their confrontations, rivalries and general lawlessness," he said.

"While this type of behaviour is not acceptable anywhere and at any time, it was the increasingly public nature of these incidents that demanded action. Lawless elements were beginning to affect the average citizen's enjoyment of legitimate and traditional pursuits, including football games and outdoor concerts.

"The Criminal Code Amendment Act will give the courts and Bermuda Police Service more power and authority to deal with incidents of violence as a means to discourage further incidents and to impose harsher penalties on those who offend."

The Criminal Code Amendment Act, which Mr. Horton tabled yesterday, will be debated when Parliament returns after the Cup Match holiday.

In a message to hooligans thinking of causing trouble at Cup Match this year, Mr. Horton said: "Families may be assured that there will be a large Police and security presence to ensure the safety and comfort of all in attendance.

"They may also be assured that heaviest arm of the law will prevail should any individual choose to break the law on this most special occasion or any other."

Mr. Horton said there was a wrong perception that violent crime was out of control.

The Police Support Unit had made 2,750 arrests since it was set up in 2001.