Police hope that a large presence of officers and partners from other organisations will deter antisocial behaviour and crime during the Cup Match weekend.

At a press conference yesterday, acting Assistant Commissioner of Police James Howard said that residents had a collective responsibility to make the island safer.

Figures released by the Bermuda Police Service showed that officers responded to 152 calls this past weekend.

Mr Howard was unable to say how the numbers compared with other weekends but hoped that there would be fewer calls for the service during the holiday period.

He said: “This time of year, I think in the last two years the stats have been relatively the same.

“We’re hoping that they’re going to be less as far as calls for service.”

Mr Howard added: “There will be police throughout the island.

“It’s going to be robust, you’re going to see probably more police than you would normally see.”

He added: “If we all do our part, I’m hoping that we have … a non-eventful – from a police perspective – weekend.”

Mr Howard said that the number of officers expected to take part in the operations would not be provided “because that’s all part of the policing plan”.

He explained: “As there are a number of events taking place over this four-day holiday, there will be a robust police presence throughout the island.

“We will be partnering with the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

“There are two intents for this: the first is to discourage those members of our community that might seek to disrupt our holiday with acts of antisocial behaviour and criminality.

“The second, just as important, is to continue applying the objectives of our road safety strategy, which includes reducing road traffic collisions in all areas – damage only, to injury, to fatalities.

“In addition, combating antisocial road use and reducing incidents of impaired driving.”

He said that police hoped to influence driver behaviour through patrols, advice notices, tickets and arrests, making the roads safer for everyone.

Mr Howard added: “We will ensure a proportionate policing response to the multiple major events taking place over the four days.”

He said that the BPS would work with Somerset Cricket Club, the hosts of this year’s Annual Classic, as well as the Bermuda Reserve Police and a private security company, which would provide CCTV throughout the grounds.

Mr Howard added: “For our mariners, in partnership with the Bermuda Reserve Police and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard, there will be a visible presence on the waters.

“I would like to remind the boating public to ensure that their vessels are registered; that a current decal is prominently displayed on the starboard side of the vessel; that they ensure that all required equipment is carried on board; that they have enough fuel for the intended journey.

“It is also recommended that they file a float plan if they intend to go offshore.”

He said: “The expectation is to have fun. Enjoy the holiday but be responsible.

“It is our collective responsibility to make Bermuda safer.”