Police will be out in force over the Bermuda Day holiday weekend, supported by reserve officers and the Bermuda Regiment.

Officers will be conducting “high visibility” patrols throughout the Island, and in the Island’s waters, said a police spokesman.

“In line with our strategic intent of guns, gangs, drugs and violence reduction, the Bermuda Police Service are intent on deterring those members of the public that might seek to disrupt the holiday weekend with acts of violence and criminality,” he said.

“Patrols will be paying particular attention to incidents of public disorder, antisocial behaviour and weapons possession. Those persons who are not deterred by the presence of the police and commit these offences can expect to be promptly arrested and delivered to the courts.”

The public is being encouraged to ensure their homes and vehicles are properly locked over the weekend. Police have seen a recent trend where residents leave their homes unsecured and returned only to find their homes had been burgled.

Police have also warned the public about multiple road closures expected due to the annual races and parade on Monday.

“The routes for the races and the parade are similar to previous years and the police will, as usual, be manning junctions along with designated marshals to control traffic,” the spokesman said.

“I cannot put enough emphasis on reminding the motoring public that the marshals and police officers are there for a reason. That reason is to minimise the risk to the runners and cyclists taking part in the races, the participants in the parade and the viewing public.

“I therefore appeal to the motoring public to take the opportunity to remind themselves of the route prior to Monday’s races and parade, and on the day to follow the officers and marshals directions and if possible to avoid driving onto the routes from private driveways and side roads during the events.”