Police have appealed to kite flyers to be considerate of their neighbours ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Assistant Commissioner Martin Weeks said that the Bermuda Police Service anticipated an uptick in kite activity.

He added that many residents would “take advantage of being at home and will try to fly kites from their residences”.

Mr Weeks said that police had received an increase in calls to report loud kites disturbing the peace of some residents.

He added: “While the Bermuda Police Service is sympathetic to kite enthusiasts, particularly at this time of year, we must also be sensitive to those who make reports and must be seen to uphold the law.”

Mr Weeks said that town hall-style meetings had been held to talk with people about their concerns and the law.

Section 18a of the Summary Offences Act 1926 states: “It is an offence for any person who in any public place flies any kite to the annoyance or danger of any passenger or frequenter”.

Mr Week said that in “most cases” kite flyers who police had talked to about noise complaints had been “reasonable and taken down their kites”.

But he added: “In some cases persons have been and will continue to be placed before the courts if they continue to fly kites in a manner that disturbs their neighbours.”

Mr Weeks said that Bermuda and its residents faced “unprecedented times” amid restrictions to try and halt the spread of Covid-19.

He added: “We therefore urge kite enthusiasts to take this into consideration in the days leading up to Good Friday and to additionally be careful not to have kite strings and monofilament fall across power lines and their neighbours yards.

“Let’s not make things even more difficult for each other during this already testing time.”