Twelve people have been arrested for firearms offences during the first six months of the year, as Police see arrest figures jump 25 percent.

In the second quarter crime statistics press conference yesterday Police declined to say how many guns they had seized due the arrests but said they have made 14 arrests involving 12 people for firearm offences between January and June.

Police added that while there have been more than 35 reports of gun incidents they were only able to confirm 13 throughout the entire year.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Jackman said they are appealing for the public's help to tackle gun crime.

"We need the support of the community to provide information, especially on cases currently under investigation.

"This support is also required in identifying those persons who posses and use illegal firearms so that we can take the appropriate action to remove firearms from out community.

"We remind the community that the confidential Crime Stoppers hot line is available to channel information on any crime to the Police."

During the first half of 2009 Police made a total of 1,942 arrests, a 25 percent increase compared to the 1,544 arrests made during the first half of 2008. Women accounted for only 13 percent of arrests during the six month period while expats accounted for only eight percent of arrests.

During six month period 11 arrests were for murder while three were for attempted murder.

Ten arrests have also been made for sexual assault.

Assault causing aggravated bodily harm resulted in 75 arrests while assault causing grievous bodily harm resulted in 15 arrests.

In the first six months of the year six arrests were made for assaulting a Police officer and 12 arrests were made for possession of a bladed article.

Of the 1,942 arrests made 34 percent were committed by the same 269 individuals.

These included one individual prosecuted for 10 burglaries and 14 thefts from motor vehicles. Six youths were also arrested for committing six robberies. The teens, aged 15-19, targeted expats and robbed them of cash and personal items.

Police have also arrested 12 individuals who they alleged are responsible for a majority of the east-end burglaries and robberies.

Meanwhile two individuals have been arrested for a series of robberies in the central parishes and one individual has been arrested and linked to a series in the westend.

Mr. Jackman said: "Our officers are continuing to target the small number of offenders who commit a disproportionate amount of crime.

"We will soon be able to report on those persons who we have identified as prolific priority offenders."