Twelve firearms that have been forensically linked to crimes under investigation have been seized over the past 12 months, along with ammunition, police said.

Ballistic tests on an unspecified number of weapons connects them to “multiple incidents”, a spokesman added.

“Ongoing investigations have resulted in the arrests of a number of suspects, as demonstrated earlier today with a 42-year-old man being charged before the courts for firearm possession.

“The seizure of these firearms has at the very least prevented the commission of serious acts of criminality and prevented possible serious injury.”

He said it had “more importantly, prevented any potential loss of life”.

Antoine Daniels, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, thanked “those individuals who have so far come forward to provide information which has assisted in the removal of these dangerous weapons from our streets, thereby making our communities that much safer”.

He added: “Your courage in providing such information is to be applauded and has proven invaluable in our ongoing efforts to rid our island home of this scourge.

“However, we remain concerned that there are still illegal firearms out there, which the criminal element continues to seek opportunities to use to further their nefarious activity.”

Mr Daniels said he was confident that, thanks to the “continuing partnership between the community and your Bermuda Police Service, there will be further successes of this nature”.

He called on the public to “continue to strengthen this relationship, in which we all seek to make Bermuda safer”.

Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms is urged to contact police via the main number, 295-0011.

The public can also call 211, speak with a familiar officer, or use the online community reporting portal.

Police also highlighted the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477, adding: “You could earn a reward of up to $5,000 for providing the information.”