Some officers are believed to have been told over the weekend that they will be working new ten-hour shifts taking effect immediately.

Armed robberies, attacks on Police officers and thefts have increased over the first three months of the year.

And Commissioner of Police Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards has asked his officers to work the extra hours to stop the situation worsening and because of public concern.

Mr. Edwards said he held meetings with senior and divisional officers on Thursday and Friday as a result of the increasing crime.

Concerns have been raised about the recent armed robbery of four visitors close to the Southampton Princess Hotel and attacks on Police officers, one of which left two Policemen unconscious in Somerset.

Mr. Edwards said: "We need to get more officers on the streets and that means more man hours on the street with our limited resources.

"We have a number of major investigations going on at the moment and we need more man hours across the Island.

"There is certainly a need for this and I am quite pleased with the reaction of Police officers.'' Mr. Edwards feels the Police must be seen to be doing a first class job for the public.

While increased man hours will be worked throughout the Island, particular concerns are being voiced in Somerset. Mr. Edwards said Police have been meeting these concerns and will continue to do so.

He said: "We must enhance policing and put extra Police on the streets in Somerset because of the ongoing drug trade and because of recent violence.

"The drug problem is rampant in that area and the public has every reason to complain that their safety is at risk. The public are being impeded by drug dealers left, right and centre in that area.'' Mr. Edwards particularly stressed the example of a Sandys infant school where the children had been pestered by people involved in drugs.

The situation became so serious at one bus shelter that the head teacher told the children to go two stops further on to catch the bus.

The Commissioner said: "That is wrong. So we sent Police officers down there to clear the shelter.'' He added that "Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda'' have been concerned by the recent violence, particularly against Police officers.

But, he said: "We must continue to ensure that the service we provide continues at a high level.

"So we have asked officers to do some extra time although I do not want to go into all the details.'' Thieves stole $2,000 worth of jewellery during a smash-and-grab robbery at a Hamilton store.

The thieves smashed a pane of glass at H.S. & J.E. Crisson Jewellers, on Queen Street, and stole a pair of bangles, a horse pendant, a medical bracelet and a lion ring.

The robbery occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Also on Saturday morning, an intruder broke into a number of offices on Church Street.

Police are also investigating a break-in at a home on Middle Road, in Paget on Saturday evening.

Burglars forced open a bedroom window and removed several gold rings, a necklace with a pendant, a watch with a black face mounted with diamonds and a Pentax camera. No value has been given.