Tue, 2009-12-22

The Bermuda Police Service continues to advise the motoring public to slow down and to drive as well as ride responsibly on the island’s roads. Additionally, we urge those traveling in cars to use their seatbelts at all times and make sure any children traveling in the vehicle are appropriately restrained. Those traveling on motorcycles should always fasten their helmets and avoid making a third lane.

During the week of Monday, December 14th – Monday, December 21st 2009 there were:

• Reported Injury Collisions = 22
• Reported Damage Only Collisions = 29
• Arrests on Suspicion of Impaired Driving = 4
• Vehicles Reported Taken Without Their Owners’ Consent = 9
• Number of vehicles reported stolen by parish: Hamilton parish = 1, Devonshire = 3, Pembroke = 4 and Southampton = 1.

Most of the vehicles removed were either auxiliary cycles or motorcycles, with 2 cars also reported stolen during the period. Of the 9 vehicles reported stolen, 3 were subsequently recovered, including both cars.

Injury RTC

Around 3:20pm on Monday, Police attended a reported road traffic collision resulting in injury at the junction of Dolly’s Bay Road and St. David’s Road in St. George’s involving a motorcycle and a van towing a trailer. It appears that the motorcycle was traveling east on St. David’s Road and the van towing the trailer was exiting Dolly’s Bay Road when the motorcycle collided with the trailer. The rider of the motorcycle, a 46 year old St. George’s man, sustained injuries to his ankles (one may be broken) and complained of pain in his neck. He was taken to KEMH for treatment. The driver of the van, a 50 year old Warwick man, was not injured. The motorcycle received moderate damage while the van and trailer were not damaged. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Attempted Burglaries in Southampton

The Bermuda Police Service has received the following attempted burglary reports in Southampton –

• Around 3:50am today (Tuesday) at a Shawn Acres Lane, Southampton residence.
• Around 10:15pm on Monday at a Middle Road, Southampton residence.
• Around 10:05pm on Monday at a Southampton Road, Southampton residence.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant for any suspicious individuals or activity in their neighbourhoods and to contact Police on 295-0011 if they notice anything or anyone out of the ordinary.

Christmas Crime Prevention Advice

• At Home - Always lock your doors and windows when leaving your house, even for a few minutes. If you leave home for an extended period of time, ask a neighbour or family member to watch the house and collect any deliveries. Displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through your windows or doors.

• Strangers at your door - Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers or persons soliciting donations for charitable causes. Always ask for identification and ask how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate. Only donate to recognised charitable organisations.

• Driving - Keep doors locked and windows closed when you are away from the car. Do not leave purchases in the seat of the car, but lock them in the trunk. When approaching and leaving your vehicle, always be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach the car alone if there are suspicious people standing by.

• Shopping - Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and where possible pay for purchases by cheque, credit or debit card. If you must use an ATM, choose one that is well illuminated. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Shield the keypad when you enter your PIN number to prevent anyone viewing your transaction and obtaining your number. Retain your receipt, and notify the card issuer immediately if the card is lost or stolen.

• Detailed Property Inventory - Update your property inventory with details, value and serial numbers of new items, and photograph each item. Supply copies to your insurance company and keep another copy in a safe place, not on the premises. UMARK electronic equipment and supply details of serial numbers and your personal UMARK to the Crime Prevention Office.

• After Christmas - This is when thieves usually go on a shopping spree. Avoid leaving boxes outside for trash pick up as this tells the thief ‘what you got.’ They know if you got a computer, DVD or new TV. Dispose of the boxes carefully by concealing them in trash bags.

Operation UMARK literature and stickers can be obtained from any Police Station.

• More Press Releases Here