Police do not anticipate increased violence at Cup Match but say they will be out in force with armed units patrolling throughout the Island.

Despite 13 confirmed gun incidents this year, and 37 reports of gun activity, Chief Inspector Tracy Adams said he did not believe there would be incidents over the holiday weekend saying "gun crime was usually targeted to specific individuals" and not carried out at large events.

Police are urging Cup Match revellers to obey all laws and have pledged there will be armed officers at the game as well as at other events.

Yesterday the Road Safety Council which has set up mock accidents around the Island also urged people not to drink and drive over the holiday.

Under the new criminal code legislation Police will also be stopping and searching people they believe are concealing weapons and they are working with the St. George's Cricket Club to ensure no weapons will be brought into the game.

Chf. Insp. Adams warned the public: "We are reminding the public that it is illegal to carry a bladed article longer than three inches. If in doubt leave the article at home."

He added: "There will be armed Police patrols at the match and throughout the Island to deal with any situation that may require an armed Police response.

"We intend to deal vigorously with any anti-social behaviour both inside and outside of the ground.

"We wish everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday whether you are at home, at the game, on the water or however you choose to spend your holiday."

He added the Police will be focusing on:

• Impaired driving offences on the roads and the waters.

l Speeding and dangerous driving on the roads.

l Speeding and dangerous operation of vessels on the waters, including Jet Ski operators.

l Anti-social and offensive behaviour.

l Possession of bladed articles and offensive weapons.

Yesterday, the public was urged by the Road Safety Council to "get real, don't drink and drive".

With Cup Match starting tomorrow many will be attending the game, going to parties and out on the water but it is important they still follow the law, said the Council's David Minors.

He added: "We have become desensitised to violence, crime and road safety. We must slow down, not drink and drive and wear seat belts, not because it can save lives, but because it will save lives."

He added that mock accidents, using bikes that were actually involved in accidents, have been placed throughout the Island to remind the public of the dangers.

They are large enough so people can see them without getting distracted from the road, he said.

Anthony Santucci, chairman of CADA, formerly known as the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, said 70 percent of all road fatalities were caused by drunk drivers.

He urged the public to take a cab, the bus or organise a designated driver instead of driving while intoxicated. The CADA bus will also be running in town to ensure people who have one too many can get home safely this weekend.