Addressing Antisocial Behaviour After School in the City of Hamilton

Friday, October 06,2023

As part of ongoing efforts to address the issue of anti-social behaviour involving schoolchildren in the City of Hamilton, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), will be working in partnership with the Ministry of Education, private schools and shopkeepers in and around the Washington Mall area of the City of Hamilton with a view to reducing the incidences of anti-social behaviour. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Martin Weekes stated, “the BPS are aware that it is a small minority of students from schools across the island that are causing these problems and not the majority of students or one individual school. We do not wish to be seen to blame all schoolchildren for the behaviour of a few or one school above others. The BPS will be working with all the schools to identify anyone seen on cameras to be committing offences and to put solutions in place. Meetings are being arranged with the various stakeholders to discuss additional approaches which can be used to bolster measures which are already in place. Measures already implemented include school visits to talk about the avoidance of negative activity, peer mediation involving our dedicated school’ officer, as well as regular foot patrols within the City of Hamilton particularly in areas such as the bus terminal and Washington Mall, where students tend to gather. The Ministry of Education as well as private school administrators have committed to meetings commencing next week to discuss options available. However, key to the success of all this is the active involvement of parents. Parents are urged to make every effort to ensure their children are at home within a reasonable time following the dismissal of school and not simply “hanging out” in the city. We appreciate some students are involved in extra-curricular activities come the end of the school day which may entail being in the city for some period. The focus should still be on ensuring they are out of the city and making their way home in as short a time as circumstances allow. This is a community issue that we are all charged with addressing. Let’s work together to ensure success."

Advisory on Proposed Protest

Thursday, October 05,2023

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of a voicemail circulating via WhatsApp promoting acts of violence at a proposed protest against increased electricity costs. Martin Weekes, Assistant Commissioner of Police, advised: “While the Bermuda Police Service acknowledge the right to protest, we urge that any such action be taken in a peaceful manner. Should the protest materialise, our officers will be on hand to ensure the safety of participants as well as other members of the public.” “That notwithstanding, anyone engaging in violence or anti-social behaviour before, during or after the event, can expect to be dealt with according to the dictates of the law.” “While a date and time has not yet been identified for the staging of this protest, the BPS has already begun implementing measures to address and deal with any eventuality which may arise.” “Again, members of the public will not be prevented from engaging in protest action, but they must do so in a peaceful and lawful manner.”

Inquiries Ongoing After Students’ Anti-Social Behaviour in Washington Mall

Thursday, October 05,2023

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of a video, showing two female students fighting at Washington Mall with other students spectating, circulating on social media and request that members of the public refrain from sharing the video further. Instead, anyone with relevant information regarding the circumstances or students involved is encouraged to call 211, or provide the information via the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm/. The BPS commends the actions of adults in the area that did their best to separate the two female students involved in the altercation and can confirm that this incident took place around 4pm Wednesday, 4th October 2023, after a large group of students from various schools congregated at the City of Hamilton property. Police officers responded to the location shortly after and dispersed the large group of students. Inquiries into Wednesday’s display of anti-social behaviour are ongoing and dialogue continues with relevant stakeholders about perennial concerns regarding students congregating in the City of Hamilton after school.

Witness Appeal After Man Robbed & Injured in Sandys Parish

Wednesday, October 04,2023

Around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, police responded to a report of a robbery, which occurred in the carpark of Mr. Chicken, Somerset Road, Sandys. Upon police arrival, it was discovered that a 55-year-old male had been attacked by a group of men, one of them being armed with a knife. The victim sustained multiple injuries in the attack, including lacerations to his face and arm. One of the suspects is described as being a tall brown-skinned male, who is alleged to have taken a quantity of jewellery, cash and a mobile phone from the injured man. The other three suspects were dressed in dark clothing. Following the attack, the four suspects made good their escape in the direction of Cambridge Road. The victim was assisted by members of the public and later transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where at last check, he was receiving treatment for his injuries, which are considered non-life-threatening. An investigation into the incident has commenced and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable 2594 Dawn Hector, on 515-2594 or via email, dhector@bps.bm. You may also provide the information to a police officer you know. Alternatively, we urge you to call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or, use the online community reporting portal https://portal.police.bm.

Operation Vega Update: September 2023

Tuesday, October 03,2023

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “Total collisions for the third quarter of 2023 show a reduction of 95 collisions, when compared with the second quarter. The second quarter was down by 23 collisions when compared to the first quarter. These are promising numbers and suggest the total amount of collisions is going in the right direction. Fatal collisions and serious injury collisions continue to be a concern for the Bermuda Police Service (BPS). We continue to encourage all to give your driving or riding your full attention when operating a motor vehicle. Most of all, we encourage all to slow down. The faster you go, the faster you are likely to be involved in a collision.” Additional Statistics From 1st January until 1st October 2023, 187 motorists were arrested for impaired driving – 14 in January, 27 in February, 25 in March, 21 in April, 30 in May, 23 in June, 19 in July, 16 in August and 12 in September. In comparison, for the same period in 2022, a total of 173 motorists were arrested for impaired driving. During September 2023, 318 traffic tickets were issued by the BPS, up from 296 issued during August 2023. In addition, 51 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued in September, down from 73 in August. Parking tickets issued throughout September 2023 totalled 171, down from 281 parking tickets issued in August. Since the start of Operation Vega (6th July 2021), a total of 11,090 traffic tickets have been issued. The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for September 2023 is below. The change compared to August 2023 is provided in brackets. Speeding                                        171 (+6) Speeds ranged from 55 kph to 89 kph. Traffic sign                                      27 (-19) Unlicensed vehicle                        27 (+3) No third party insurance              23 (+5) No driver’s licence                         37 (+12) Manner of driving                            9 (+6) Disqualified driver                           3 (+1) Seatbelt                                            3 (-1) Helmet                                              4 (+2) Handheld device                              8 (+4) Defective vehicle                             0 (0) Fail to give name/address              0 (-2) Fail to stop                                        2 (+1) Fraudulent documents                   0 (0) Making a false statement              0 (0) License plate offence                      1 (+1) Tint offence                                      1 (+1) Youth license offence                     0 (0)

Single Vehicle Motorcycle Collision in St. George’s: Rider Seriously Hurt

Tuesday, October 03,2023

Around 7:45pm Monday, 2nd October 2023, police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a reported single vehicle motorcycle collision on Southside Road in St. George’s, near the junction with Waller’s Point Road. It appears that a motorcyclist was travelling along Southside Road when he struck a metal railing. The rider, understood to be a 53-year-old Southampton man, was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. At last check, he had been admitted into the Intensive Care Unit with injuries that were considered to be life threatening. The scene was processed and the investigation regarding the circumstances of this collision continues. Any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call Constable Kristen Desilva-Lawrence on 211, or e-mail kdesilva-lawrence@bps.bm, as soon as possible.

Motorcyclist in ICU After Collision in Sandys Parish

Monday, October 02,2023

Around 2pm Sunday, 1st October 2023, police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a reported collision on Somerset Road in Sandys parish, near the junction with Heydon Gardens. It appears that a van being driven along Somerset Road came to a stop, after a car in front stopped. Apparently a motorcyclist riding behind the van then collided with the back of the van. The rider, understood to be a 52-year-old Sandys parish man, was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of his injuries. At last check, he was listed in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit. The driver of the van, understood to be a 31-year-old Sandys parish man, was not hurt. There were traffic delays in the area for approximately an hour, while the scene was processed. Any witnesses to this collision that have not already come forward are encouraged to call Constable Shane Granville on 211, or e-mail sgranville@bps.bm.

Suspected Stolen Construction Items, Illegal Dogs & Cannabis Plants Seized

Friday, September 29,2023

On Wednesday, 27th September 2023, police officers from the Community Policing Division responded to a reported burglary in the Happy Valley Road, Pembroke area, after a number of construction items had been removed from a residence. A short while later, the same officers were able to arrest a male suspect in the vicinity, who is now assisting with enquiries. Subsequent searches in the area led to the recovery of several suspected stolen construction items, a suspected stolen motorcycle, two suspected illegal pit-bulls, as well as a number of suspected cannabis plants. A second male suspect has been arrested in connection with these matters. Enquiries continue.

Female Visitor Seriously Hurt in Hamilton Parish Rental Scooter Collision

Thursday, September 28,2023

Shortly before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, police and other first responders were dispatched to a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a female visitor on North Shore Road, near the junction with East Point Lane, Hamilton Parish. The victim, who along with her husband arrived on board the cruise ship Carnival Magic, was reportedly traveling west on a livery cycle along North Shore Road, when she lost control of the vehicle and collided with an embankment. Her husband was apparently riding ahead of her, on another livery cycle, at the time. She sustained multiple injuries to the head and body and was unresponsive, but breathing, while being attended to at the scene by EMTs. She was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where at last check, she was conscious and alert and continued to receive treatment for her injuries which are considered serious, but non-life-threatening. There were delays as a result of the collision, with traffic being diverted away from the scene which remained closed for just over an hour, while being forensically processed. The Bermuda Police Service wish to thank the public for their understanding and cooperation during the temporary road closure. An investigation into this collision is now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact P.C. Rhonda Pitt on 717-2120 or, via email rpitt@bps.bm.

Two Suspected Stolen Motorcycles Recovered in Sandys Parish

Monday, September 25,2023

Around 12:45pm Wednesday, 20th September 2023, police officers on mobile patrol along Long Bay Lane, Sandys parish encountered two men wearing helmets with dark coloured visors, each riding a separate motorcycle. The officers’ attention was drawn to one of the motorcycles, which had no licence plate. Both riders were stopped by police and as they were being spoken to, abruptly rode off together on one of the motorcycles, abandoning the other. The two men were pursued, but eventually made good their escape in the Daniel’s Head Park, Sandys parish area. The suspected stolen motorcycle they abandoned on Long Bay Lane was recovered. The other suspected stolen motorcycle, used to flee from police, was later recovered in the School Crescent, Sandys parish area. Inquiries regarding this matter continue and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm. In addition, motorists that may encounter any suspicious activity regarding motorcycles – particularly motorcycles parked or being ridden with a missing or covered licence plate – are urged to contact police at the earliest opportunity. Members of the public are also reminded that they can report stolen motorcycles via the Bermuda Police Service community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm/.

Man Arrested After Firearm, Ammunition & Suspected Illegal Drugs Seized

Sunday, September 24,2023

A 24 year old man has been arrested after he was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as a quantity of suspected illegal drugs. Following the execution of a warrant at the suspect’s residence, a number of items believed to have been stolen along with drug equipment and an amount of suspected illegal drugs were recovered. The suspect remains in police custody and a court appearance is anticipated. No further information will be provided at this time.

Teen Arrested on Suspicion of Motorcycle Theft

Friday, September 22,2023

Police officers were on mobile patrol on South Road in Paget around 1:45 a.m. on Friday, September 22nd, 2023, when they observed a male riding a motorcycle heading west, near Paraquet Restaurant, using his foot to push another bike, which was believed to have been stolen, also ridden by a male. Upon seeing the officers, the rider of the suspected stolen bike jumped off and got on the back of the the other bike. The men failed to stop when called on to do so by the officers and sped off before they were seen again near Tribe Road No. 5. The rider lost control of the bike as he again sped off, throwing the pillion passenger off in his attempt to make good his escape. After a short foot chase the pillion passenger, a 19-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of bike theft. Officers were also able to ascertain the identity of the rider said to be a fifteen-year old male and an arrest is imminent.

Rider Arrested After Failing to Stop at Speed Check, Police Officer Injured

Thursday, September 21,2023

Around 8:20pm on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, uniformed police officers from the Roads Policing Unit were conducting speed checks on North Shore Road near the junction with Grace Lane, Pembroke Parish. The officers attempted to stop a motorcycle clocked at 74 KPH travelling west on North Shore Road. A police officer in uniform and standing in the roadway signaled for the rider to stop. The rider, a male, failed to do so. Two other officer on marked motorcycles, one with emergency lights only, on, the other with emergency lights and sirens on, followed and attempted stop the rider. He again failed to stop and continued travelling at a high rate of speed. As the cycle approached the junction with Overview Hill, the driver suddenly decelerated and attempted a left turn onto Overview Hill, the police bike was unable to stop in time and collided with the rear tire of the cycle. Causing both cycles to come to a stop. The officer sustained minor injuries to his arms and right knee. The rider of the other bike was not injured. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. A Traffic Collision Investigator and a member of the Forensic Support Unit attended and processed the scene. Meanwhile, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of a video circulating on social media in which the person who recorded the video is accusing the police of wrongdoing in relation to this collision. The video recording captures the aftermath of the incident, the cause of which is being investigated. The BPS wish to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have recorded images or video of the lead-up to the collision if not the collision itself, to please call the main police number, 295-0011.

Three Suspected Stolen Motorcycles Recovered in Two Separate Incidents

Tuesday, September 19,2023

Around 11:35am Monday, 18th September 2023, police officers on mobile patrol in Warwick encountered two men on a motorcycle travelling along Spice Hill Road. On seeing the police vehicle, the male rider sped away and was pursued by the patrol officers to Eastdale Lane, where the rider and pillion passenger abandoned the motorcycle they were on and escaped on foot in the Well Bottom area. Apparently another male then rode off on the freshly abandoned motorcycle, heading along South Road. He was pursued by an additional police unit on mobile patrol, until that rider ultimately abandoned the motorcycle in the vicinity of Lighthouse Road, also making good his escape on foot. A search of the surrounding area resulted in the recovery of the suspected stolen motorcycle used. In addition, a second suspected stolen motorcycle was recovered nearby. In a separate incident, police officers on mobile patrol in Warwick around 5pm Monday, 18th September 2023, encountered a male motorcyclist wearing an unfastened helmet travelling along Dunscombe Road. As a result, the officers stopped the rider. However, while relevant checks were being conducted regarding the motorcycle, the man rode off. He was pursued from Dunscombe Road on to South Road, before being stopped again by the same officers near Rocklands Road. The rider, understood to be a 20-year-old Warwick man, was then arrested on suspicion of stealing the motorcycle he was riding, plus issued tickets for traffic offences including no driver’s licence and riding with an unfastened helmet. The suspected stolen motorcycle used was also recovered. Inquiries regarding both matters are ongoing.

Ongoing Witness Appeal: Saturday Night's Confirmed Firearm Incident

Monday, September 18,2023

The investigation continues into the confirmed firearms incident which occurred in the area of Court Street and Elliot Street, Pembroke shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th 2023. While forensic evidence was recovered at the scene, officers are still keen on hearing from members of public, particularly anyone who was among the large group of people who were at the location at the time the shooting occurred. The suspects are described as two males wearing dark clothing, travelling on a dark coloured motorcycle. One of the suspects reportedly discharged a firearm in the direction of a group of people who were gathered on the sidewalk. They then rode off in the direction of Till’s Hill. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Odessa Philip on 717-2193 or, via email ophilip@bps.bm. You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 or, share the information with a police officer you know.

Confirmed Firearm Incident Under Investigation: No Reported Injuries [Updated]

Sunday, September 17,2023

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th, 2023, police officers were dispatched to the area of Court and Elliot Streets, Pembroke, following a report of gunshots heard in that vicinity. Officers conducted a search and recovered one spent shell. There were no reports of anyone being injured. Subsequent checks at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital indicated no one had visited the facility seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. An investigation into this incident has now commenced. There were several people at nearby establishments at the time of the incident and anyone with any information on this matter is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011. You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477. Alternatively, we urge you to share the information with a police officer you know. Update: Monday, 18th September - The investigation continues into the confirmed firearms incident which occurred in the area of Court Street and Elliot Street, Pembroke shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16th 2023. While forensic evidence was recovered at the scene, officers are still keen on hearing from members of public, particularly anyone who was among the large group of people who were at the location at the time the shooting occurred. The suspects are described as two males wearing dark clothing, travelling on a dark coloured motorcycle. One of the suspects reportedly discharged a firearm in the direction of a group of people who were gathered on the sidewalk. They then rode off in the direction of Till’s Hill. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Odessa Philip on 717-2193 or, via email ophilip@bps.bm. You may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477 or, share the information with a police officer you know.

Man Shot in the Ord Road, Tribe Road Number 5 Paget Area

Wednesday, September 13,2023

Around 1:10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, Police responded to reports of gunshots in the area of Tribe Road Number 5, just off of Ord Road in Paget. The extent of his injuries are not known at this time, however he was conscious and breathing. An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone who may have any information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or, via email, adonawa@bps.bm. You may also call the main police number, 295-0011 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. Alternatively, please share the information with a police officer you know or via the Community Reporting Portal, https://portal.police.bm/.

Teenager Arrested After Attempting to Elude Police on Stolen Motorcycle

Tuesday, September 12,2023

Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11th, 2023, police officers were on mobile patrol duty in the area of Glebe Road, Pembroke, when they observed a motorcycle with a defective rear light turn onto St. Monica’s Road. Upon noticing the officers, the bike rider sped off and attempted to elude police. Officers pursued the vehicle and the suspect, a nineteen- year-old male, eventually abandoned his bid to escape as he approached Penhurst Park on the North Shore Road in Smith’s Parish. The suspect was arrested for failing to stop for police and dangerous driving. Subsequent checks of the motorcycle revealed it was fitted with a false license plate and that it had been reported stolen, in August, this year.

Two Vehicle City of Hamilton Collision at Reid Street, King Street Junction

Friday, September 08,2023

Around 1:05pm Friday, 8th September 2023, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a two vehicle collision on Reid Street at the junction with King Street in the City of Hamilton. Initial information suggests that a male on an auxiliary cycle was headed down King Street, when he attempted to make a left hand turn onto Reid Street, when he lost control of the cycle and collided with a heavy truck. The male cyclist has been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of suspected chest injuries. The truck driver was not reported to be injured. Traffic headed into town is being diverted down Flora Duffy Lane and along Crow Lane onto Front Street. Traffic headed out of the city is being restricted to a single lane down King Street. Traffic delays are to be expected for at least 90 minutes. Witnesses are being asked to call Sergeant Anton Gilbert on 717-2338 or agilbert@bps.bm.

Inquiries Continue: Reported Two Car Collision in Smith's Parish

Wednesday, September 06,2023

Inquiries continue regarding a reported two car collision that occurred around 3:10pm Tuesday, 5th September 2023, on Verdmont Road in Smith’s parish. The two cars involved were each travelling in opposite directions at the time. Three people were transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for medical assessment. The driver of one of the cars, said to be a 20-year-old Hamilton parish woman, was treated and later discharged from hospital. It is understood that the driver of the other car, said to be a 45-year-old Smith’s parish man, was not hurt. However, his passengers, apparently two 9-year-old girls, received medical care at the hospital before being discharged. Both damaged cars were ultimately towed away, after the scene was processed. Any witnesses to this collision, that have not already come forward, are encouraged to call 211.