Police have seized machetes, knives and brass knuckledusters in a crackdown on street violence.

Since the launch of Operation Safer Streets in January, six bladed items have been confiscated. Officers have also made 29 drugs seizures. This includes 506 cannabis plants, 207 grams of the drug, 6.6 grams of crack cocaine and 1.73 grams of heroin.

Officers have so far put in 850 man hours targeting 'hot spots' around the Island known for drug dealing, violence and anti-social behaviour.

They have issued 44 arrest warrants, making 25 arrests under the Misuse of Drugs Act and six for burglary, theft and assault.

A total 305 incidents have been dealt with, with 89 searches executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act — another ten at residential properties and five firearms search warrants issued. Officers have also made 12 arrests on persons 'found committing' non-drugs and firearms offences.

The Operation was launched following the Boxing Day murder of 30-year-old Aquil Richardson in Camp Hill and the shootings of two other men — Levar Smith, 25, on Boxing Day, and Jakai Harford, 24, on Christmas Day.

The man in charge of the Operation, Chief Insp. Nicholas Pedro said: "Since its inception, the hot spots referred to have become noticeably quieter. Obviously some areas are naturally prone to higher levels of traffic because of surrounding businesses and premises, but many areas in outlying areas are significantly quieter since the operation began.

"These areas are in the heart of our communities and we are making a determined effort to send a strong message that anti-social behaviour of whatever kind will not be tolerated, and that there are consequences for criminal acts."

He added: "I want to speak to some members of the community that feel that some of our actions may impact on innocent persons. Our officers are dealing with specific people and categories of offences. Our actions will not impact on innocent people unless they are actively engaging in acts of violence, the sale and misuse of illegal drugs and weapons possession."

Operation Safer Streets is working in partnership with the Serious Crime Unit and Ch. Insp. Pedro appealed to anyone with information into the deaths of Shaundae Jones, Jason Lightbourne and Aquil Richardson to come forward.

He said: "We have executed a number of actions in tandem with the Serious Crime Unit in respect of the shootings and actions continue to flow from those investigations.

"We want to reassure the community that the Bermuda Police Service continues to maintain an armed response to incidents that require such, and is prepared to deal with subjects that choose to possess and use firearms or other dangerous weapons.

"There are people hurting in the community through the barbaric acts of violence inflicted on Shaundae Jones, Jason Lightbourne and Aquil Richardson. As a community we need to take control of our destiny and do the right thing. Please tell us what you know about these acts."

He added: "I can say that there has been some very good cooperation coming from the community, and in some cases this has resulted in arrests and seizures.

"If people out there have information and they have a conscience, then please come forward. We also need witnesses in order to get forensic evidence because we need to know where and when to look. There are people out there who know where things are hidden but obtaining that information can be a stumbling block."

Ch. Insp. Pedro said: "If you want to talk to an officer that you know directly, you can do so by calling the main telephone number for Police Headquarters."

That contact number is 295-0011 or call the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.