The community wants police to “prudently exercise” their powers to disperse gangs who are intimidating neighbourhoods, according to National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief.Mr Perinchief said neighbours “demand” that their own effort to keep their communities safe “is supported by strategies that make neighbourhoods safe and moreover remove elements that intimidate and seek to frustrate their aims to make communities safe”.In his speech, delivered in the House of Assembly, Mr Perinchief went on to say: “In many instances what we once knew to be innocent gatherings of a neighbourhood’s young men have been perverted into a gauntlet to be walked by residents of some areas.“The introduction of gang-style behaviour in core neighbourhoods on the Island, compounded by the presence of illegal drugs and sometimes weapons, serves as fertile ground for intimidation and attracts an equally destructive element into an otherwise peaceful area.”He noted that the Constitution demands rights and freedoms to be respected, including freedom to gather, but the nature of some gatherings have caused alarm to local residents.He pointed out how, in 2009, Government passed amendments to the law giving police “weighty powers” to disperse groups who intimidate and harass local residents and to return those aged under 17 to their parents.“The Commissioner of Police is determined to use these powers in a manner befitting the threat that we face. With his Senior Command team, they recognise that any interference with fundamental rights and freedoms, even if supported by strong legislation, cannot be abused or executed without regard to wider community concerns,” said the Minister.“I have discussed the heightened concerns of residents with the Commissioner and he in turn has shared with me the reports from his officers in direct contact with neighbourhood watch members. The accounts indicate that residents are not prepared to tolerate intimidation and harassment from a minority, some of whom are not even from the area in which they congregate.“We cannot urge citizens into community action in gang prevention and not support the very objective they serve: making Bermuda safer for all.”Calling on the police to use the tools they have to deal with the issue, he said: “The unity of purpose that has supported the strong policing strategy during these last two years in particular must now be on display as the police respond to the community call to disband groups gathered for no beneficial purpose. Law abiding citizens must not only feel safe in their homes, but deserve to enjoy their surroundings, the parks and streets free from intimidation and harassment.”He said Government is committed to supporting the police in exercising their ability to disperse groups in this fashion.“I am confident that the prudent exercise of these powers will strengthen community confidence and improve the quality of life for Bermuda’s people,” he said.