The UBP has promised a raft of legislative measures to tackle crime if elected to power, including the removal of the double jeopardy rule.

The Party pledges the creation of a DNA bank, legislation for witness protection, and a Charter of Rights for victims. It also promises speed cameras, more beat officers, GPS-systems in patrol cars and a Police station in Warwick.

The principle of double jeopardy forbids a defendant from being tried twice for the same crime. It was repealed in the UK in 2005 and many argue that advances in DNA science can throw up new evidence years later that is not available when a defendant is originally tried.

Lawyer Mark Pettingill, UBP candidate for Warwick West, said: "If we have a horrendous crime that is committed and there is DNA evidence, then justice demands that this is looked at."

Mr. Pettingill said the 1907 Criminal Code would be revamped under a UBP government.

Government had failed to address the need for a witness protection programme, he added: "Most crimes are solved by witnesses so in a society this small it is a problem that people are not prepared to speak up. So, we have to come up with something to compel people to come forward."

Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley said: "It is a fact that crime is on the rise, and it is clear public anxiety is on the rise, because the perception is shared that not enough is being done to fight crime ¿ that not enough has been done in the past nine years to get tough on crime.

"Drug trafficking, the growth of gangs and unsolved murders are features of our life in 2007. Break-ins are all too frequent ¿ as the people of Warwick well know.

"The PLP have had nine years to get tough on crime, but given what is happening, it is clear they have failed in this crucial responsibility to protect people. The next United Bermuda Party government will be tough on crime. We will bring with us the commitment that will make our homes and streets safer.

Gina Spence-Farmer, UBP candidate for Warwick North East, said: "I have been canvassing on the doorsteps of Warwick for more than two years, and I've heard some heart-breaking stories about how people's lives are being ruined by crime.

"The latest Police statistics show break-ins on the rise Island-wide and more than two times higher than just a few years ago. I can say that the frequency of break-ins in this parish is a major concern and fear."

Bermuda Police Service statistics report burglaries for 2006 at 1,142, compared to 1,046 in 2005 and 850 in 2004.

Announcing plans to build a Police station in Warwick, Sen. Spence-Farmer said: "This will mean Police in Warwick 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Wayne Scott, UBP candidate for Warwick North Central, told the press conference the Party's Pathways to Success programme would offer offenders rehabilitation to "steer them away from crime".

He also announced plans to:

¦ Ensure only experienced and highly-skilled public prosecutors will will prosecute cases;

¦ Introduce a "Three Strikes and You're Out' rule for trafficking hard drugs and other serious crimes;

¦ Improve witness protection legislation; and

¦ Modernise domestic violence laws.