A team of Police officers have begun their annual patrols of Bermuda's beaches to ensure locals and tourists are safe while sunning themselves this summer.

Assistant Commissioner Carlton Adams said Monday night that three officers, two men and a woman, would be touring the Island's beaches and coastal resorts from now until the end of October.

He said: "It's necessary to have a Police presence on the beaches during the peak summer months, to discourage criminal activity and to ensure these areas are as safe as possible for people to enjoy.

"Not only will it discourage criminal behaviour, but it will mean that we have some of kind of response team nearby if and when there are crimes or any issues arising that they can assist with.

"It is something that we have done for at least the past 20 years, and it is really in anticipation of any reports that we might get. Hopefully, it will stop them happening in the first place.'' He said the team will be working pretty much seven days a week until the end of October, and will be covering the entire Island.

In the past, mopeds hired by tourists have been known to be the target of thieves in some car parks around the beaches, and handbags and purses have also been stolen.

Mr. Adams said the usual precautions applied this year, and he said everybody should ensure valuables were not left unattended on the beaches, left in bikes or left easily accessible.

The top detective added: "The officers in the beach team are not solely about crime -- they are there to assist members of the public as need be.

"It may be a First Aid issue, or anything like that. They are there to help.

We want everybody to enjoy themselves and to have a safe, fun time. This team is just helping towards that.''