Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva - The Bermuda Police Service has not received any reports of shipments of illegal ammunition or any information about planned retaliations between rival gangs. I encourage anyone with genuine information about either of these scenarios to contact the police directly, or to make an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. Crime Stoppers will reward up to $100,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction, or a seizure of a firearm.

The island has experienced an increase in firearms incidents in the last few months, as compared with the rest of the year. The number of rounds that have been discharged at each incident lately is higher than we have typically seen. Whether or not a fresh supply of ammunition has been smuggled is not clear: but it is clear that there are still gunmen at large that need to be captured and brought to justice. Our Community Action Teams have been patrolling in several neighbourhoods this week, especially in the Somerset area, to speak with residents. We are looking for information that will lead us to arrest the shooters, or find the guns, before the next shot is fired. Every piece of information that the public gives us is helpful.

I have also looked at the deployment of our armed police officers and I have taken steps this week to provide more coverage, especially in the areas that need it. We cannot predict exactly where the next shooting might take place, but I have ensured that we will have an appropriate level of armed response to react immediately.