STRONG security measures are in place for the Cup Match holiday, designed to keep pace with Government's tough anti-weapons law which came into effect this morning.

Revellers may also be assured that sunny conditions have been secured for the coming days ? according to weather forecasters, the rains and winds brought on by Tropical Storm Franklin should dissipate by Thursday afternoon.

Police and weather forecasters yesterday made announcements in anticipation of the various events planned during the annual two-day celebration and the following weekend.

"The Bermuda Police Service has a full complement of officers who will be working during the Cup Match period, that's the period Wednesday through Sunday," said police spokesman Dwayne Caines.

"And, for the second time, the reserve police have also been embodied to assist police in their endeavours. We are aware that there are several events taking place and are advising the public that the police will have a strong physical presence over the period."

Mr. Caines added that in maintaining that presence, officers would be mindful of the powers introduced with the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2005. The law allows jail terms of at least three years for first-time offenders carrying sharp weapons in public. A minimum sentence of five years faces those found with similar weapons on school premises.

The Act applies to all sharply-pointed items except folding pocket knives with blades no longer than three inches. The law does not apply where such weapons are work or sports related, connected to a religious ritual or part of a national costume. In addition to jail time, offenders may also fines of anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000.

According to Mr. Caines, a stronger-than-usual police presence will help enforce the introduction of the new legislation, as will a rigorous inspection of persons wishing to attend the annual cricket match, this year planned for Wellington Oval in St. George's.

He stressed that offenders could find themselves in court even though the new laws only came into effect at 12.01 a.m. today. To prevent any misunderstanding, he suggested that all residents leave their knives at home.

"The St. George's Cricket Club has employed a private security firm to check people entering the premises for bladed articles," he warned. "Police will be on hand at the gate to assist in any way necessary.

"We are advising people to leave all knives at home. If you need something cut, if you're going camping for the day or if you have a stall at the field, cut it before you get on field. No knives will be allowed on the premises. People should plan to be at the club grounds a little earlier as the searches will be detailed and may result in longer lines than usual.

"This legislation comes with very stiff penalties for anyone caught carrying a bladed article. There are exceptions ? religious reasons, work or martial arts ? however, if you cannot prove that you are carrying a weapon for any of the prescribed reasons, you risk conviction. First-time offenders face three years in prison."

Mr. Caines added that the law would be enforced everywhere, not just at the two-day match. He said that officers will be on guard against the more common public transgressions but that residents carried a responsibility as well.

"We're asking people to be vigilant in protecting their homes. Most break-ins are opportunistic crimes. Offenders prey on vulnerable environments where there is easy access. If you go out, lock your house up. Keep all valuables in a safety deposit box.

"Cup Match is a festive period. It's a time where people enjoy themselves. We're advising people that if they must drink, do not operate any craft ? whether it be a car, a bike and or a boat. There will be a high police presence over the period specifically looking for individuals who might want to take advantage and drink, drive.

"We also ask people to be mindful of water safety. Be prepared. Take out the proper safety tools. Make sure you have enough gas in your boat. Last weekend six people did not have sufficient gas. Marine police had to go and bring them in.

"Such action has the potential to take officers away from events that are particularly important. So what we're asking is that people plan and prepare when they're on the water ? take flares, file a float plan, observe the no-wake zone. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Cup Match."

Bermuda Weather Service duty forecaster James Morrison yesterday said inclement weather should not pose a problem over most of the holiday.

"As far as Thursday goes, there could still possibly be some lingering cloud and showers associated with Franklin in the morning, but if the storm does what it's supposed to do, by Thursday afternoon and Friday we should see fairly nice conditions.

"The weather should get progressively better over Thursday. Friday should be a nice sunny day and the weekend should be fairly nice as well."

He predicted warm and humid conditions with temperatures in the 80s.

"It should be nice to go to the beach and that sort of thing (but) for sailors, Thursday morning will start off quite breezy ? we'll still be under the effects of Franklin ? but throughout the day, the winds will decrease.

"So we're looking at ten to 15 knots on Thursday but decreasing on Friday and into Saturday."