The Barbados Police Service is seeking to reassure the public that it is working to get illegal firearms off the streets amid a spike in gun crimes.

Four young men have been shot and killed over the past week.

Commissioner of Police, Richard Boyce says the police service has put measures in place to get the guns out of the hands of criminals.

In a news briefing at Police Headquarters in Bridgetown today, Mr. Boyce disclosed that they have confiscated 27 firearms so far for the year.

He said that the increase in gun crimes has been caused mainly by individuals choosing to settle disputes through the use of firearms.

While noting an increase in homicides, he disclosed that crime overall is down.

Commissioner of Police, Richard Boyce