People are being urged to give Police a gift at Christmas a tip-off that will help solve the recent violent crime.

Speaking on the steps of City Hall yesterday, Crime Stoppers Bermuda chairman John Drew pleaded with people to "break the silence and stop the violence".

And he was backed up by Public Safety Minister David Burch who called on the people of Bermuda to speak up over the violence.

Yesterday Mr. Drew again reassured the public the service is completely anonymous and no one should worry about being dragged to court to give evidence.

"Crime Stoppers is appalled by the current level of violence now evident in Bermuda. Crime Stoppers Bermuda exists to channel these concerns into positive action. We understand that members of the public are fearful of giving information directly to the Police or authorities.

"This is the season when gifts are given. A gift is most appreciated when it's something people need. Clearly this is a gift the community needs. Give us the information about the guns or the people using them in the community.

"Who benefits from Crime Stoppers? You do. Celebrate this holiday by giving the gift of an anonymous tip, Bermuda. Let's break the silence and stop the violence."

Senator Burch also urged the public to come forward with tips. He said: "Many crimes go unsolved not because nobody saw the crime, but because nobody wants to provide the Police with information that will lead to an arrest and the charging of the individual.

"Your call remains anonymous. When you call Crime Stoppers, your call is routed to Miami. Unless your cousin works for the Miami-Dade Police you don't have to worry about your voice being recognised.

"Bermuda, I urge you to stop turning a blind eye to the wrong in our community. Two shootings in one day should make it crystal clear that we do have a problem. We all have a role to play. Speak up Bermuda."

Hamilton Mayor Charles Gosling said: "Bermuda is facing unprecedented calculated violence and murder in the community. We are collectively horrified, alarmed and worried about the violence happening around us. Our concern and anxiety crosses racial, economic and social divides.

"I add my voice to those who call on members of our community to be brave, break the silence and to be the one who will make a difference by contacting Crime Stoppers and providing a meaningful tip on any crime that you have information about."

Meanwhile, Rev. Ruth VanLowe Smith, Director of Social Action for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, also urged the community to make peace.

"The African Methodist Episcopal Church laments the increasing incidence of gun violence that terrorises our neighbourhoods, injures our families and shreds our social fabric.

"In response to these alarming events, our eleven congregations agree to come together to prayerfully seek God's intervention on behalf of our country and to work with other community bodies in bringing about a peace that will go further than just bringing gunfire to an end."

Rev. VanLowe Smith also said the church was supporting the Governor and the Premier in getting more of a Police presence in the community.

"The church encourages the men of Bermuda to channel their energy into pursuing the highest quality of life for their families, their country and themselves.

"Violence deprives our community from the benefits of the presence, energy and courage of its men. Therefore we commit to do what we can to provoke and inflame the highest qualities in our fathers, sons, nephews and cousins as we seek to build a healthy and productive family environment."