Operation Vega Update, Past Weekend Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints
Tue, 2022-05-03
With Operation Vega remaining in place, 538 tickets were issued for various traffic offences during the last two weeks. That’s up from 353 in the previous two-week period.
This brings the number of tickets issued since the July 2021 launch of Operation Vega, to 4,842.
However, despite our continued heightened efforts, speed continues to be the highest recorded offence.
Over the last two weeks, a total of 336 tickets were issued for speeding, with speeds of between 60km/h and 90km/h being recorded.
The break-down of traffic offences recorded and the number of tickets issued are as follows:
1. Speeding 336
2. Operating an unlicensed vehicle 56
3. No third part insurance 56
4. No Driver’s license 55
5. Driving in a dangerous manner 15
6. Driving whilst disqualified 1
7. Driving whilst not wearing a seatbelt 7
8. Riding with an unfastened helmet 8
9. Using a handheld device whilst operating a vehicle 4
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell of Tactical Support Unit said, “While our stepped up efforts and increased presence on the roads are resulting in more drivers and riders being stopped for speeding and can be seen as successful from a numbers perspective, our aim is to see those numbers decline. Only then, will we feel confident that people are paying attention”
Chief Inspector Cardwell added, “We cannot sufficiently stress that all road users need to take personal responsibility for their behaviour once they sit on that bike or get behind a steering-wheel. The life you save may well be your own. We will continue to enforce the traffic laws as they exist, but we also appeal for members of the motoring public to put safety first and slow down.”
Elsewhere the number of road traffic collisions have continued to decline since the introduction of Operation Vega.
ROADSIDE SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS
Over 1,000 vehicles were stopped during Roadside Sobriety Checkpoint exercises this past weekend, with two arrests made for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Mr. Cardwell stated, “Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints started earlier than usual, which caught a few people by surprise. This resulted in residents using social media to get the word out about our activity. We are certain this contributed to fewer individuals opting to operate vehicles whilst inebriated.”
Read MoreHome Explosion Claims Life of Male Guest Worker, Wife Critical in ICU [Updated]
Tue, 2022-05-03
Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service can now confirm that a 49-year-old male Filipino guest worker – who was one of the occupants of the Hilltop Court, Southampton residence where an explosion occurred around 8:50pm Monday, 2nd May 2022 – later succumbed to his injuries.
Identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course.
His 50-year-old wife, also a Filipino guest worker, is still receiving treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and at last check was listed in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.
The three other men injured in the blast, understood to be Southampton residents aged 31, 57 and 82-years-old, have since been treated and discharged from hospital.
A joint investigation involving the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and the Bermuda Police Service, regarding the circumstances and cause of this tragic incident, continues.
The investigators appreciate all information received so far and urge anyone with additional details that can assist with inquiries to call 247-1744 as soon as possible.
Update: Wednesday, 4th May - 49-year-old Oscar Mascarinas officially identified.
Reported Explosion at Hilltop Court, Southampton Residence [Updated]
Mon, 2022-05-02
Around 8:50pm today (Monday, 2nd May 2022), several 911 calls were received regarding an explosion at a Hilltop Court, Southampton residence.
Police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel responded to the scene.
Details remain limited at this time. However, it appears that the building involved suffered significant damage.
Several people were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown.
Members of the public are being urged not to share photos or videos of the scene via social media, as inquiries continue regarding the circumstances of this incident.
A further update is anticipated in due course, once more information is known.
Update: Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Glasford speaks to the media at the scene.
Update: Tuesday, 3rd May - Home explosion claims life of male guest worker, wife critical in ICU.
Traffic Advisory: North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish
Mon, 2022-05-02
Around 3:30pm today (2nd May 2022), a call was received regarding a garbage truck dumpster separating from the vehicle on North Shore Road in Hamilton parish, near Fractious Street.
While there are no reports of injury or property damage, traffic flow in the area was temporarily reduced to one lane, while the dumpster was removed via crane.
Police officers assisted with traffic flow and motorists are still advised to proceed with caution when travelling through the North Shore Road, Fractious Street, Hamilton parish area – as sand has been spread over the road surface at that location to assist with the clean-up process.
Any witnesses to this incident are encouraged to call 211.
26-Year-Old Woman Stabbed at Horseshoe Bay Car Park [Updated]
Sun, 2022-05-01
Police are investigating a stabbing incident which occurred at the Horseshoe Bay Carpark in the early hours of this morning, Sunday, 1st May 2022.
Police and Fire Dispatch responded to a 911 call reporting the incident shortly before 2:30 a.m.
Upon arrival at the scene, they found the 26-year-old female victim had been stabbed multiple times about the body.
She was breathing and conscious.
She was attended to at the scene by EMTs, before being transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment to her injuries, which are deemed to be life threatening.
The scene has been forensically processed and the incident is now being investigated by detectives from the Serious Crime Unit.
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, Crime Stoppers on 800-8477.
You may also contact a police officer with whom you’re familiar and share the information with them.
Update: The 26-year-old female who sustained multiple stab wounds during an incident in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 1st May 2022, has been discharged from hospital, having received treatment for her injuries which doctors no longer consider to be life-threatening.
The incident occurred shortly after 2:00 a.m. in the carpark at Horseshoe Bay as the woman was about to leave the area, having attended a party at Horseshoe Bay beach.
As the investigation into this matter continues, police are looking for a suspect described as a brown skinned female, approximately 5’ 7” in height, sporting dreadlocks and believed to be about thirty years of age. The suspect reportedly wore a turquoise hoody.
Police are once again appealing for anyone with information on this incident to call 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Alternatively, if you are more comfortable speaking with a police officer with whom you are familiar, we urge you to reach out to that officer and share the information with them.
BPS Newsletter: Newsbeat January - April 2022
Fri, 2022-04-29
We are pleased and excited to be reintroducing the Bermuda Police Service Newsbeat! We hope you enjoy the first edition.
Visitor Safety Advice Reminder After Two Recent Incidents
Thu, 2022-04-28
Police are seeking the public’s assistance regarding suspects in two reports of robbery against visitors on our roads yesterday Wednesday, 27th April, 2022.
Around 3:00 p.m. yesterday, Wednesday, 27th April, 2022, police received a 911 call from a member of the public, that two women visitors were walking along Cut Road near to Floral Lane St. George's, when a male on a dark coloured step through motorcycle rode up to them and grabbed the bag from a 67-year-old, causing her to fall to the ground.
Both women sustained minor injuries as they struggled with the suspect who eventually escaped with the bag which contained cash, credit-cards and travel documents.
The male suspect who was described as approximately, 5’ 10” in height, wore a black long sleeved top, dark coloured pants and a glossy white helmet with a mirrored visor.
A second incident occurred around 1:10 p.m. yesterday in Smith's Parish,
A female visitor was riding a livery cycle west, on South Road Smith's, in the area of St. Mark’s Church, when a black male dressed in all black, wearing a black helmet with a full face visor, reportedly pulled alongside and grabbed her handbag containing an Apple iPhone, cash, bank cards and driver’s licences. from the rear carrier metal basket. The suspect then rode off along St. Mark's Road.
The BPS is aware that when these type of offences have occurred previously that often a number of them occur, until the offenders are apprehended.
We will be conducting proactive patrols and vehicle stops with the intention of combatting these crimes whilst reviewing CCTV coverage of the areas.
However, the assistance of the public is critical in identifying the suspects. If you have any information please call Acting Sergeant, Simon Fraser on 717-2462. You may also call 211 or the main police number 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.
The vast majority of tourist related offences are crimes of opportunity, so it therefore makes sense to take reasonable precautions to reduce your risk of becoming the victim of such crime.
1. When at your hotel or guest accommodations, use the hotel or room safes, if available. DO NOT leave items of value in plain view.
2. Secure your room at night and when you are out for the day.
3. When traveling through the island on rental mopeds, secure all your items in the basket or carrier provided. Cover it, if necessary, to prevent your property from being stolen or lost in transit.
4. When at the beach or other tourist venue, never leave items of value unattended.
5. When walking at night, use main thoroughfares that are generally well lit.
6. When attending a nightclub or bar, use common sense and never leave your drink unattended.
Bermuda is a small community with many neighbourhoods. If, in your travels, you walk or ride into an area where you feel uncomfortable, then leave as quickly as you can.
Reduce the chance that you may become a victim of crime by maintaining a full awareness of your surroundings.
Should you have any concerns about your safety while on the island, contact your hotel or guesthouse security manager. The local Police Service is available 24 hours a day and work from various stations across the island. Should you wish to report a crime or incident, then call the police at your earliest convenience.
The Bermuda Police Service will be working with its tourism partners to assist in promoting these safety guidelines to our guests, to help ensure their time here is memorable for all the right reasons.
Fifth Road Fatality for 2022: 37-Year-Old Frederick Hall
Wed, 2022-04-27
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 37-year-old Frederick Hall, Bermuda’s fifth road fatality for 2022, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Information received so far indicates that Mr. Hall was seriously hurt in a single vehicle car crash on South Prison Street, St. George’s near Rose Hill Street around 3am Sunday, 24th April 2022.
A short time later, the 37-year-old was rushed from a St. George’s residence via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where sadly, he was subsequently pronounced dead.
A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to loved ones of the deceased at this time.
A 56-year-old St. George’s man (initially said to be 55-years-old) who was in the car with Mr. Hall at the time of the crash sustained non-life threatening injuries and has been assisting with police inquiries.
Constable Dennis Joell is currently investigating the circumstances of this fatal car crash and members of the public with any relevant information – particularly witnesses to the crash or persons who can provide details regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Hall in the hours prior to 3am Sunday, 24th April – are once again asked to call 211 or the main police number 295-0011.
Constable Joell can also be reached via 717-2221 or his e-mail djoell@bps.bm.
Two Recent Joint Operations Net Significant Drugs & Illegal Cash
Mon, 2022-04-25
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and HM Customs continue to work together to deter as well as intercept contraband at the island’s borders.
On Tuesday, 29th March 2022 with the assistance of airport authorities including HM Customs, a team of detectives from the BPS Financial Crime Unit under the direction of Detective Sergeant Leroy Mathurin attended the L. F. Wade International Airport where over U.S. $50,000 cash was seized, resulting in the commencement of a criminal investigation.
A 45-year-old female foreign national was subsequently arrested on suspicion of money laundering. She was later released on police bail pending further enquires.
More recently on Thursday, 7th April 2022, a joint operation was conducted by the BPS and HM Customs at L. F. Wade International Airport.
As a result, the BPS Drugs Unit executed a search warrant at a Hamilton parish residence where several packages containing the controlled drug cannabis were seized, with an estimated street value of $800,000 (Bermuda dollars).
Six persons were arrested in relation to this operation, three of whom are employed at L. F. Wade International Airport. Residences in Hamilton parish, Devonshire and Southampton were later searched, with police seizing a hydroponic system, which detectives suspect is designed to grow cannabis indoors. All six individuals have since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.
Acting Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, of the Crime Division, reinforced the significance of working with stakeholders to counter the cross border importation of drugs and laundering of criminal proceeds. He stated, “We continue to rely on good relationships with our partners at the borders, to deter and/or detect occurrences of cross border drug importation and money laundering, which can have negative economic, social and security consequences.
Although we are unable to say at this time if these two recent examples are connected, both highlight the necessity of these joint operations. Our teamwork has disrupted the illegal activities of a major drug trafficking ring at the L. F. Wade International Airport, bent on circumventing security controls and importing illicit items into Bermuda. We will continue to work with our partners at L. F. Wade International Airport to detect, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and their illegal operations. Present security controls will also be reviewed and countermeasures implemented to mitigate the risk we have identified.”
No further information will be provided at this time. The BPS Drugs Unit continues investigations into both incidents.
Fifth Road Fatality for 2022
Sun, 2022-04-24
Shortly after 3:00 a.m. today, Sunday 24th April 2022, police received a call indicating emergency services were required at a residence in St. George’s.
During the exchange, it was ascertained a 37-year-old male had been involved in a single vehicle road traffic collision and had subsequently made his way to the residence.
An ambulance was despatched and the injured male was transported to King Edward Hospital for treatment to his injuries.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the family of the deceased.
A 55-year-old male who was a passenger in the car involved in the collision, sustained minor leg injuries. He has been assisting police with their inquiries into this incident.
A collision scene was identified and located on South Prison Street, St. George’s, near the junction with Rose Hill.
That scene has since been processed by the police Forensics Support Unit along with Traffic Collision Investigators.
Anyone with information on this incident, which marks the island’s fifth road fatality, of 2022, is asked to call 211 or the main police number, 295-0011.
The Bermuda Police Service extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.
