businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

More patrols will also come on line towards mid-December in Hamilton to deal with traffic problems as well as call on individual businesses.

The moves were announced yesterday by Chief Insp. Vendal Bridgeman, in charge of Eastern Division, and Chief Insp. Roger Brydon, in charge of the central division.

"In the weeks approaching Christmas, the Bermuda Police start crime patrols around the Island,'' said Chief Insp. Brydon.

"The aim is to have double-crewed uniformed Police patrols in each of the three divisions to be available to look after areas like shops, supermarkets and garages which are more vulnerable at this time of year.

"By having special patrols they will not be tied up in the day-to-day problems which will give us an extra Police presence,'' said Chief Insp.

Brydon.

The patrols will be dedicated to fighting crime -- not traffic or other problems. They will be in each of the three divisions.

Chief Insp. Bridgeman said: "At this time of the year we want to make the public feel confident and reassure them by having these patrols.

"At this time of the year, everyone is concerned with the festivities and there is a tendency to drop one's guard. We want the public to feel confident that we are out there.'' The patrols, held from the early evening to the early hours of the morning, started earlier this week and are a repeat of similar patrols last year.

In mid-December there will be extra foot patrols specifically to deal with traffic in Hamilton. The officers will also call on businesses to check for problems.

"It is the time of year when there will be greater emphasis on pro-active policing. This is a time of year which we want the public to enjoy,'' said Chief Insp. Bridgeman.

CRIME CRM