Tue, 2022-10-11

We are once again reporting good performance across the police service with the Operation Vega traffic enforcement initiative. We are pleased with the results, albeit the numbers are down from the previous reporting period.

When assessing these numbers, we also have to consider the number of calls for service requiring police officer attendance. These calls for service must be addressed in tandem with Operation Vega.

We continue to be concerned with the number of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles on the roads. We once again advise everyone to ensure your vehicle is licensed and insured. Also, that your driver’s license is current and not expired.

We are delighted that Operation Vega appears to be having some influence on collision numbers. We recently reported that 3rd quarter collision numbers were reduced when compared with previous years. This is indeed the space we want to be in, but we still have much work in front of us to bring down the numbers further and achieve our overall goal of making Bermuda safer, including on the roads.

The break-down of traffic offences reported is as follows:

·         Speeding                                         281 (-87) (Over the limit speeds ranged from 59 kph to 95 kph) 

·         Traffic Sign                                       39 (-74)                 

·         Unlicensed Vehicle                         55 (-20)                  

·         No third party insurance                 56 (-3)            

·         No Driver’s license                         32 (-14)      

·         Manner of driving                          14 (+2)

·         Disqualified                                      5 (+2)                     

·         Seatbelt                                            11 (+7)                       

·         Helmet                                              5 (-10)               

·         Handheld device                              0 (+0)

·         Defective vehicle                             2 (-5)

·         Fail to give name/address              0 (0)

·         Fail to Stop                                        2 (-8)

·         Fraud Docs                                        6 (+5)

·         Defective Vehicle                             2 (+2)

·         Making False Statement                 1 (+1)                           

·         Impaired Driving Arrests                 17

Competing with Operation Vega performance are calls for service.  This was a busy period for calls for service with 976 recorded in this period.

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Tue, 2022-10-11

An investigation has been launched following a robbery at the Collector’s Hill Esso Service Station, on South Road, Devonshire.

The incident occurred around 10:00 pm on Monday, 10th October 2022.

Information is, the suspect rode into the parking lot on a dark coloured motorcycle, approached a staff member who was standing behind the cashier counter and demanded money.

The staff member noticed that the suspect placed their hands in the waist region as if reaching for something.

However, no weapon was seen and no one was injured.

The suspect escaped with a quantity of cash and rode off on the motor bike he arrived on, headed in a westerly direction on South Road.

The suspect described as slim built, 6’1” tall and was wearing black clothing, black bubble rain jacket, black helmet, a mask and grey gloves.

Anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant, Whitney Wilkinson on 717-2496 or via email – wwilkinson@bps.bm.

Alternatively you may call the police reporting number, 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, share the information with a police officer you’re familiar with.

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Wed, 2022-10-05

Around 7:40pm Sunday, 2nd October 2022, a reported collision involving a car and a motorcycle occurred at the junction of Montpelier Road and Happy Valley Road in Devonshire.

It appears that a motorcyclist was travelling north along Montpelier Road and a car was being driven in the opposite direction along Montpelier Road when the car driver, said to be a 64-year-old Devonshire man, attempted to turn right on to Happy Valley Road.

As a result the vehicles collided at the junction and the rider, said to be a 38-year-old Sandys parish man, was seriously injured.

He was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance and admitted into the Intensive Care Unit.

The car driver was not hurt. However his front seat passenger, said to be a 60-year-old Devonshire woman, apparently sustained cuts to her face.

Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene was processed.

Inquiries continue and any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm as soon as possible.

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Tue, 2022-10-04

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Nicholas Pedro – “The Bermuda Police Service welcomes the sentence in the Supreme Court today (Tuesday, 4th October 2022), in a case where a man seriously sexually assaulted a woman in Pembroke on 20th September, 2020.

The woman had been walking to work in the Fairylands area of Pembroke on that day, when she was approached by a male on a cycle who proceeded to sexually assault her in the early hours of the morning.

Detectives from our Vulnerable Persons Unit responded to the matter, and having built a good rapport with the woman, were able to progress lines of enquiry that led to the identification, arrest, and charging of the suspect in this case.

Ronald Kirkland Simmons, now 39 years old, from Pembroke, was arrested by detectives following specific evidence obtained in the case, six days after the assault.

In the Supreme Court today, Simmons was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.

We are acutely aware of the trauma, and stigma(s) attached to any incident of sexual assault, and are very grateful that we could help bring this dangerous offender to justice.

Hopefully the woman who was subjected to this incident of sexual assault will take some measure of comfort from this result, and be able to continue her healing journey.

We are keen to assist, support, and help any person who may have been sexually assaulted.

If you have questions, or would like to talk to one of our trained professionals about a sexual assault, please contact the Vulnerable Persons Unit on 247-1739 or 211. We are here to help.”

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Mon, 2022-10-03

Traffic collisions in the 3rd quarter of 2022 were significantly reduced, when compared with 3rd quarter figures for the three years prior.

Between July and September of this year, there were 264 road traffic collisions. For the corresponding three months of 2021, there were 352 such incidents. In 2020 the third quarter figure stood at 315 and in 2019, 384.

Robert Cardwell – Chief Inspector, Tactical Support Division, said: “This represents a marked reduction in road traffic collisions. Reflecting on 2nd quarter collision numbers, for 2022 they edged up slightly over 2021.  However, for the first quarter of 2022, the number was lower than the same period in 2021 as was the 4th quarter of 2021, when compared with the years 2020 and 2019.”

The Chief Inspector added: “We attribute collision reductions to the hard work of our officers in progressing Operation Vega.  That notwithstanding, we still find speeding offences to be the most prominent offence reported.  We also attribute many of these collisions to speed.  We continue to encourage Bermuda to slow down on the roads. Unfortunately, Impaired driving also remains prevalent on our roads. In the 1st quarter of 2022, twenty-eight drivers were arrested for impaired.   In the 2nd quarter fifty-one drivers were arrested and in the 3rd quarter 70.  That is 149 impaired drivers arrested in 2022 so far.”

When impaired your, ability to accurately perceive what is going on around you is severely hindered, your reaction time slows down, your mental capacity is affected, your coordination is thrown off and motor skills become diminished thus increasing your chances of being involved in a collision.

Mr Cardwell added: “Drivers should also consider that operating a vehicle whilst impaired, threatens not only their lives but also to the lives of any passengers in their vehicle. Not to mention, the lives of other road users.”

Appearing before the courts, anyone charged with impaired driving can expect a fine of one thousand dollars as well as to be banned from operating a vehicle for 18 months.

In order to help prevent road traffic collisions, the public is reminded:

1.       Do not operate a vehicle whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs.

2.       Avoid using mobile devices when operating a vehicle.

3.       When operating a vehicle, look well ahead for hazards, brake lights and turn signals.

4.       Always maintain sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front so that you have   enough room to stop safely.

5.       Observe the speed limit.

6.       Obey road traffic signs.

7.       Ensure your vehicle is in good working order.

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Wed, 2022-09-28

Please be advised that there's a minor shift in opening hours for our Criminal Records / Vetting Office located at the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building, Court Street, Hamilton.

On Friday, September 30th, 2022, opening hours will be 9:00am-9:45am and 12:45pm – 4:00pm.

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience and assure the public that normal opening hours for this office will resume on Monday, October 3rd, 2022.

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Wed, 2022-09-28

Around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, September 27th 2022, police received reports of an unresponsive male in a punt at the St. David’s Variety wharf.

Officers attended the scene and administered CPR until the arrival of EMTs who took over.

There has so far, been no indication of foul play or, suspicious circumstances involved.

However, the investigation into this matter is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the police reporting number 211 or, the main police line, 295-0011.

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