Fed-up residents of a small Pembroke neighbourhood who claim they have spent months “under siege” from antisocial behaviour were urged by police to follow through with their complaints.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, told The Royal Gazette he was aware of “residents' concerns about the home at Crossland Lane”, where neighbours complained in March this year about intimidation and open drug and alcohol consumption at one property.

One person, who asked for his identity to be withheld, said last week: “This neighbourhood is not our own any more.

“I don’t understand how this can go on for ten, going on 11 months, and nothing changes.

“This situation is out of control. It gets worse and worse. They’ll send a police car through but nothing is getting done.”

He accused Mr Weeks of “going Awol” within his own constituency and said that he was “tired” of making complaints to police that he claimed were not acted upon.

The man earlier told the Gazette that neighbours were already on edge after firearms incidents in the residential lane, including a fatal shooting in 2016.

A ministry spokesman responded on Friday that Mr Weeks had “personally visited the area on several occasions and engaged with residents about this matter”, as well as flagging it up with the Bermuda Police Service.

Police confirmed there had been “in excess of 60 visits to Crossland Lane by officers, since the beginning of this year” — many as part of regular patrols, including directly engaging with residents.

A spokesman said: “We have met and continue to meet with owners and occupiers of residences that are allegedly the source of resident concerns.

“However, the police cannot randomly enter anyone’s property. We must have a legal basis to do so.

“We have repeatedly expressed to area residents the need for them to alert the police at the exact time they see something illegal occurring and not via a third party.

“We have also expressed to them the importance of providing a statement in support of any investigation that may arise.”

The police spokesman said the BPS, in tandem with Mr Weeks, had established “direct points of contact for residents to provide information on illegal activity in their community”.

He said this was done in conjunction with “the well publicised non-emergency reporting number 211, the main police number 295-0011, the emergency number 911 as well the community reporting portal”.

Mr Weeks confirmed officers had carried out “numerous visits to the area, both in response to specific complaints and as part of their ongoing patrols”.

The ministry spokesman said Mr Weeks encouraged any residents with concerns to contact the BPS directly on its main number “to file formal complaints and co-operate with officers in providing additional information to assist them to remedy this problem”.

He added: “Matters like these can only be resolved through sustained co-operation between the BPS and the community.

“The ministry and the BPS remain committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents in the community.”