Reported Serious Two Vehicle Collision on Spurling Hill

Saturday, November 26,2022

Around 6:40pm on Friday 25th November 2022, police and first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious two vehicle collision at the junction of Spurling Hill and Crow Lane, Pembroke. Early information suggests that a man traveling on a motorcycle, was headed east out of the city and a woman driving a motorcar, was headed west over Spurling Hill, when the collision occurred. Than male motorcycle rider has been conveyed to KEMH for treatment of his injuries, which were reported to be serious. The female driver was not reported to be injuried in the collision. Traffic diversions are in place while police forensically process the scene. Traffic delays are to be expected. Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact 211 or the main police line 295-0011.

BPS Officers Continue No Surprises Approach to Traffic Enforcement [Updated]

Thursday, November 24,2022

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell (Tactical Operations) – “We have gone through a phase of exercising discretion and issuing Motorist Advice Notices (official warnings) for licence plate and tint offences, due to the new nature of these amendments. However, now that the public has been notified via media coverage of the changes in law regarding fixed penalties for illegal licence plates and illegal tint, police officers will be issuing tickets for these offences starting today, Thursday, 24th November 2022. Therefore, all residents are advised to ensure that their vehicles comply with the current legislation. This is in line with our no surprises Bermuda Police Service public strategy. These efforts are not meant to be punitive, but are intended to help make Bermuda’s roads safer.” Update: Tuesday, 29th November - The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) wishes to correct a recent statement which indicated that with the introduction of the “Garages Licensing Act 2022”, the penalty for illegal tint on motor vehicles also increased from $50 per window, to $500 per window. The increased fine for the offence was in fact introduced with the Traffic Offences (Penalties) Amendment Act 2011. We apologise for any concern caused.

Road Sobriety Checkpoints in Effect 24th Through 27th November 2022

Wednesday, November 23,2022

Motorists are advised that the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) will be conducting road sobriety checkpoints in 7 parishes (Hamilton parish, Smith’s parish, Devonshire, Pembroke, Paget, Warwick & Southampton) starting this Thursday evening, 24th November through Sunday, 27th November 2022. BPS officers from the Community Policing Division, Tactical Operations and Roads Policing Unit will operate the checkpoints, which are in addition to general patrol officers enforcing Operation Vega. Please plan ahead and do your part by not driving or riding impaired. If you are intending to go out and socialise, make sure you have arranged for a designated driver, taxi or another responsible transportation service to get you to your destination safely.

Reported Single Vehicle Car Crash in Paget [Updated]

Wednesday, November 23,2022

Around 10:10pm today, Tuesday 22nd November 2022, a reported single vehicle car crash occurred in the Middle Road, St. Paul’s Lane Paget area. Details are limited at this time. However, initial information suggests that the car involved struck a wall near the Paget post office, injuring the driver. The extent of the driver’s injuries is unknown at this time, but they were conscious on the arrival of first responders. Traffic diversions are currently in effect, while inquiries are conducted at the scene. An update is anticipated in due course. Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. Update: Wednesday, 23rd November - At last check, the driver injured in a single vehicle car crash on Middle Road, Paget near St. Paul’s Lane around 10:10pm Tuesday, 22nd November 2022 was being treated at the hospital. Apparently the 40-year-old Warwick man was driving west along Middle Road when his car struck a wall near Paget post office. It is understood that his injuries, including a head laceration, are not considered life threatening and he is expected to be discharged in due course. Traffic diversions were in effect for approximately three hours while the crash site was processed. Inquiries continue and any witnesses are now encouraged to contact Constable Ryan Swan on 211, or e-mail rswan@bps.bm.

Reported Two Vehicle Collision in Devonshire [Updated]

Monday, November 21,2022

Around 7:20pm today, Sunday 20th November 2022, a collision occurred in the Loyal Hill Road, North Shore Road Devonshire area. Details are limited at this time. However, initial information suggests that two vehicles were involved and that the incident may have resulted in serious injury. Traffic diversions are currently in effect while inquiries are conducted and the scene is forensically processed. An update is anticipated in due course. Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible. Update: Traffic diversions are no longer in effect. It now appears that a car and a motorcycle were involved in this collision, that occurred around 7:20pm today, Sunday 20th November 2022, in the Loyal Hill Road, North Shore Road Devonshire area. The male motorcycle rider involved is understood to have sustained a leg injury which requires hospital treatment, as well as abrasions and lacerations to his body. However, his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Inquiries continue and any witnesses are once again encouraged to call 211 as soon as possible.

Reported Single Vehicle Collision in Hamilton Parish: Driver Not Located [Updated]

Sunday, November 20,2022

Around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday 20th November 2022, police officers responded to a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a rental cycle in the area of North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish; near the junction of East Point Lane. Upon arrival officers found the rental cycle lodged crashed into a nearby wall. However, the driver of the damaged vehicle could not be located. Officers conducted searches of the coast line as well as the residential areas in proximity of the collision scene, without success. Traffic was diverted away from the area while the scene was processed. However the roadway was reopened shortly after 7:15 a.m. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the BPS non-emergency reporting number, 211 or the main police number, 295-0011. Update: Monday, 21st November - The Bermuda Police Service thanks the public for their assistance regarding a single vehicle collision that occurred around 4:30am Sunday, 20th November 2022 on North Shore Road in Hamilton parish, near the junction with East Point Lane. It can now be confirmed that a Renault Twizy rental minicar was involved, not a rental cycle. The driver and passenger at the time of the crash, said to be a 47-year-old St. George’s man and 42-year-old St. George’s woman, have since been located. It is understood that their injuries were not serious. Inquiries continue.

Constable McKeon Stevens Recognised for 14 Years of Dedication to CISM

Friday, November 18,2022

Police Constable McKeon Stevens was recently recognised for his fourteen years of service as part of the Bermuda Police Service’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team, (CISM). The CISM Programme is an intervention protocol program developed specifically for dealing with traumatic events. It is a formal highly structured and professionally recognized process for helping those involved in a critical incident to share their experiences, vent emotions, learn about stress reactions and symptoms and given referral for further professional help if required. It is not psychotherapy. It is a  confidential, voluntarily, peer driven process,  designed to assist BPS officers and support staff, cope with psychological and emotional stress. Mr. Stevens was a CISM team leader and worked alongside Mrs. Isis Wellman, Occupational Welfare Officer and Director for the Occupational Health Unit, who also leads the BPS’s CISM team. The team includes Sergeant Raoul Ming - CISM coordinator and Chaplin Kevin Santucci as well as community mental health professionals, Pastors, police officers, and police support staff to assist in providing: •             One on one crisis intervention. •             Pastoral crisis intervention. •             Family crisis intervention. •             Defusing. •             Pre-crisis preparation. •             Strategic planning. •             Critical incident stress debriefing. •             Crisis management briefing. Mr. Stevens was an active CISM team member while still performing his regular duties as a police officer. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Martin Weekes who presented P.C. Stevens with a certificate of recognition said, “Having known PC Stevens since he first joined the service as a cadet, I have watched him progress through its various units with a dedication to duty, that has served him well as a member of the CISM team. He has proven himself an asset to the organisation." Pictured, from left to right: Mrs. Isis Wellman, Occupational Welfare Officer and Director for the Occupational Health Unit (who also leads the BPS’s CISM team), Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes, Constable McKeon Stevens and CISM coordinator Sergeant Raoul Ming.

Sudden Death of 68-Year-Old Albert Simons

Friday, November 18,2022

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the identity of the 68-year-old male found unresponsive inside his vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday 15th November, 2022, as Mr. Albert Simons. Mr. Simons had been listed as the island’s 9th road fatality for the year. However, following an autopsy, it has been determined Mr. Simons‘ sudden death was as a result of natural causes and not injuries related to the collision. As such, his passing is not considered a road traffic fatality. Therefore, the number of fatal road traffic collisions for this year remains at 8. The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Simons.

Online Purchase Scam Advisory

Thursday, November 17,2022

In recent times, the Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), has received several reports of persons being duped into making online payments for the purchase of goods advertised for sale on several social media platforms, only to then not receive the items paid for. The BPS is asking the public to be extremely vigilant when making such purchases,in order to avoid becoming a victim to this scam. Detective Inspector, Clifford Roberts of the Criminal Investigations Unit, stated, “We wish to remind the public to take necessary precautions when conducting purchases, particularly, online purchases from private sellers. ·    When buying from a private seller, avoid making electronic bank transfers. ·    Make inquiries of and about the seller. ·    Meet with the seller at a public location within easy view of other people. ·    If possible, take someone along with you. ·     Be sure to physically check items before making payment. ·    Do not make payment before you have received the item.” If you are suspicious about a seller or items advertised for sale on social media, simply do not make the purchase. If you are a victim of this scam or have information on anyone engaging in it or, acts of similar nature, please call to the non emergency reporting number, 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, 800-TIPS (8477). You may also wish to use the BPS crime reporting portal https://portal.police.bm, or speak with a police officer you know.

Suspect Arrested for Knife Possession

Wednesday, November 16,2022

A suspect has been arrested after he was found to be in possession of a knife, while on board a public bus. Around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 15th November, 2022, police attended a road traffic collision involving a PTB bus, on Middle Road, near the junction with Chapel Road, Paget. As passengers disembarked the bus, officers were alerted there was a male who allegedly had a knife in his possession, on board. Officers approached the suspect and saw that he was holding a knife in his right hand. The suspect who was disarmed without incident, used threatening words to police during the ensuing arrest. Chief Inspector, Robert Cardwell of the Police Support Unit, said: “Here we see what can be achieved when the community and police work together. Information shared with us, has led to the arrest and subsequent charging of this suspect for offences committed under the “Criminal Code Act 1907.” Under Section 315-F of the Criminal Code Act 1907, police officers have the authority to stop and search any individual they suspect of carrying a bladed article. The Act further states, “Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, has in his possession in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of a misdemeanour, and shall be liable—on summary conviction, to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of fifteen hundred dollars or both. If convicted on indictment, they are liable to imprisonment for four years or to a fine of five thousand dollars or both.”

BPS Seeking Rightful Owners of Impounded Vehicles

Wednesday, November 16,2022

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) currently has a number of vehicles at the Prospect Devonshire impound, including 29 reported stolen motorcycles that were later recovered. Our priority is to return these vehicles to their rightful owners. As a result, members of the public are encouraged to review the list of registration numbers in the Official Gazette notice on the Government of Bermuda’s website, to identify any vehicle that may belong to them. The notice can be found at: https://www.gov.bm/theofficialgazette/notices/gn10652022. This list of uncollected vehicles also includes auxiliary cycles, motorcycles and cars that came into police possession after a collision, seized for safe keeping during the investigation process. However, once the investigation has concluded, some owners neglect to either claim their vehicle, or give the BPS written permission to dispose of it. Registered owners of these vehicles may reclaim them by contacting the Police Impound Office, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, at telephone number 247-1751. Any vehicle not claimed within 21 days will be disposed of, in accordance with the Police Property Act, 1921.

Number of Road Traffic Fatalities Remains at 8 [Updated]

Tuesday, November 15,2022

Shortly after 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday 15th November, 2022, police received a report of a single vehicle collision involving a car, just east of the junction of Watch Hill and South Shore Road, Smith’s Parish. Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive 68-year-old-male in the driver’s seat of the vehicle which, was facing west, in the east bound lane of South Shore Road and partially off the roadway. Officers began performing CPR and continued until the arrival of EMTs, who took over. The man, who remained unresponsive, was transferred by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Sadly, this is the 9th road traffic fatality for 2022. The scene was processed by forensics officers along with Traffic Collision Investigators. No further information will be provided until next of kin have been informed. Update: Thursday, 17th November - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the identity of the 68-year-old male found unresponsive inside his vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday 15th November, 2022, as Mr. Albert Simons. Mr. Simons had been listed as the island’s 9th road fatality for the year. However, following an autopsy, it has been determined Mr. Simons‘ sudden death was as a result of natural causes and not injuries related to the collision. As such, his passing is not considered a road traffic fatality. Therefore, the number of fatal road traffic collisions for this year remains at 8. The Bermuda Police Service extends sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Simons.

Six Arrested & Large Quantity of Controlled Drugs Seized in Smith's Parish

Tuesday, November 15,2022

Around 1:15pm today, Monday, 14th November, 2022, the Bermuda Police Service Narcotics Unit assisted by the Police Support Unit (PSU), executed a warrant at a residence on Collectors Close, Smith's Parish, as part of an ongoing investigation. Six individuals, five males and one female, were arrested in connection with this matter and a quantity of controlled drugs, cannabis and heroin were seized. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $1.3 million dollars. The investigation into this matter has not yet been completed. No further information will be provided at this time.

BPS Training Course Underway for Future Investigators

Monday, November 14,2022

Today, Monday 14th November 2022, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) commenced a basic investigators training course at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire. The two-week course, being conducted by BPS Inspector Derrick Golding and BPS Constable Ronald Taylor, comprises 14 BPS officers as well as two Customs Department officers. Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons highlighted that ongoing training, including working with associated law enforcement partners, is important and provides tangible benefits. “This type of training further develops our local talent. This is the second investigators course this year, with a further two planned for 2023. Consistent training helps us to keep pace with best practice and facilitates succession planning. I am proud of the work our officers do – and appreciate the opportunity for joint training with our law enforcement partners whenever possible.”

Holiday Weekend Policing

Monday, November 14,2022

The “Memorial Day” holiday weekend went off quite smoothly from a serious crime perspective and we would like to thank the members of the public for working with us to make it a peaceful weekend. However, there were a number of arrests for various offences, starting on Friday night. Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes stated: “The majority of these arrests were for outstanding warrants. The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), has stepped up efforts in terms of ensuring that individuals with outstanding warrants meet their responsibility. So we advise that if you have an outstanding warrant, you take action to have it cleared. To that end, ten people were arrested on outstanding warrants this past weekend. Worryingly, a number of people were arrested for assault, including against the police. One of our officers was left with injuries to both arms after they were assaulted by a suspect during a search, having been arrested for a previous assault, on another individual.” Over the weekend one person was arrested for driving whilst disqualified. ARRESTS: •              Obstruction – 1 •              Driving whilst disqualified by the court - 1 •              Warrant   - 10 •              Common Assault - 2 •              Common assault on Police - 1 •              Breach of the Peace - 1 •              Wilful Damage - 1 Despite repeated advisories that Operation Vega remains in place, some road users continue to ignore traffic regulations. Assistant Commissioner Weekes said: “Operation Vega has been implemented in a continued effort to curtail such behaviour and there will be ongoing heightened police activity as we seek to improve behaviour on the island’s roads. We accept that this will require consistent action on our part as bad driving behaviour is cultural and will take time to change.” Speeding is one of the main targets of Operation Vega. Thirty-one people were ticketed for speeding offences over the weekend. The highest recorded speed was 72 kilometres per hour. More than twice the 35 kilometre per hour limit. As previously stated, there is a noticeable increase in the number of people being ticketed for driving unlicensed/uninsured vehicles and driving without a driver’s license. We wish to remind you that, failure to license your car, attracts a $750 fixed penalty. For failing to license a motorcycle, the fixed penalty is $250. Operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, carries a fixed penalty of $100. The courts will levy a $1000 fine if you are found to be operating an uninsured vehicle.   TRAFFIC OFFENCES: •              No Driver’s Licence   -      5 •              No Vehicle Licence    -     13 •              No Insurance              -     12 •              Disqualified Driving   -     3 •              Speeding                      -    41 •              MAN forms                  -    23 •              Traffic sign offences   -    4 •              Unfastened Helmet         -    1 •              Driving without due care and attention      -     1

Investigation Commenced Into Incident Near the W.E.R. Joel Tennis Stadium

Thursday, November 10,2022

An investigation has commenced into an incident which took place in the area of the W.E.R. Joel Tennis Stadium on Marsh Folly Road, Pembroke, between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 4th, 2022. Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may be able to identify the two persons featured in the photograph or, the motorcycle they were traveling on. Anyone with information regarding the two suspects or the motorbike, is asked to contact the investigating officer, Acting Sergeant Odessa Philip on 717-2193 or, via e-mail ophilip@bps.bm. You may also call 211 or, the main police number 295-0011. Alternatively you may provide the information to a police officer with whom you are familiar.

Bus Crash on North Shore Road, Devonshire: One Person Injured

Wednesday, November 09,2022

Shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday 9th November, 2022, officers dispatched to the area of North Shore Road, Devonshire, near the old Clayhouse Inn to a report of a PTB bus had gone off the road and landed in a trench. Reports are one passenger on board the bus was injured. The extent of their injuries is unknown. The roadway was closed at the scene of the collision. Traffic headed west was diverted at the junction of North Shore Road and Store Hill. Traffic headed east, was diverted at the junction of Barkers Hill and North Shore Road. However the bus was removed and the roadway reopened around 6:15 p.m.

Operation Vega Update: 10th October - 7th November 2022

Monday, November 07,2022

This last period of Operation Vega, October 10th, 2022 to November 7th, 2022 represents another period of heavy traffic enforcement. The numbers reported for each traffic offence have increased over the previous reporting period.   Of major concern is the troubling issue of impaired driving. This continues to be a prolific offence, with 15 offenders arrested in this period. Of note, in the month of October this year, there were nine people charged before the courts, fined and banned from the roads, for driving whilst impaired. Also of concern is the number of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles on the roads, as well as the number of persons driving or riding with invalid or, no driver’s license.  Please be aware, failure to license your car, attracts a $750 fixed penalty. For failing to license a motorcycle, the fixed penalty is $250. Operating a vehicle without a driver’s license, carries a fixed penalty of $100. The courts will levy a $1000 fine if you are found to be operating an uninsured vehicle.    Disobeying traffic signs and red lights is also a prolific problem on the roads. And for those using Paget lights during the morning commute, we have heard you.  Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell of the Tactical Support Unit, stated: “We have been deploying roads policing to those lights of late and we have reported many for traffic offences including driving without due care and attention, driving without reasonable consideration and disobeying the red light. There is a current trend where motorcyclists travelling east, towards the red light, go into the offside lane, wait for the light to turn green, then, shoot off across the first car stopped at the light and weave between the first car travelling west. We have been heavily policing this bad riding behaviour.”  The public is once again reminded that Operation Vega remains in place. This will continue until we are satisfied that we have brought calm to our roads. During this period, (October 10th, 2022 to November 7th, 2022) 702 moving violation tickets (MVTs) were issued, up from 495 in the previous reporting period. In addition, during this reporting period, 68 motorist advice notices, (MANs - warnings), were issued. That’s up from 52 in the previous reporting period. 154 Parking violation tickets were issued, down from 190 in the previous reporting period. 8,585 MVTs have been reported in the Operation Vega period which launched on July 1st 2021 to November 7th, 2022.   The break-down of traffic offences reported is as follows: Impaired Driving Arrests           15 Speeding                                     303 (+22)  excessive speeds recorded ranged from 58 kph to 93 kph.   Traffic Sign                                      155 (+116)                  Unlicensed Vehicle                         86 (+31)                   No third party insurance                 70 (+14)            No Driver’s license                          38 (+6)        Manner of driving                           19 (+5) Disqualified                                       2 (-3)                      Seatbelt                                              0 (-11)                        Helmet                                                15 (+10)                Handheld device                                2 (+2) Defective vehicle                               1 (-1) Fail to give name/address                0 (0) Fail to Stop                                          4 (+2) Fraudulent Docs                                 2 (-4) Defective Vehicles                              1 (-1) Making False Statement                    0 (-1) Fail to exhibit license plate               2 (+2)                        In tandem with Operation Vega, we continued to meet our mandate of making Bermuda safer by responding to calls for service. This was a busy period for calls for service, with 1,028 recorded, up from 976 in the previous period.

Operation Minotaur: Significant Cannabis Shipment Seized

Thursday, November 03,2022

On Monday, October 24th, 2022, Police and H.M. Customs conducted a joint operation dubbed, “Operation Minotaur”. The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), Drugs Unit was called in after officers from H.M. Customs intercepted a shipment found to contain approximately 120lbs of cannabis. Warrants executed at a number of locations in both Pembroke and St. George's resulted in the arrests of three suspects in relation to this matter. Detective Superintendent (Acting), Sherwin Joseph of the Crime Division stated: “This was a significant seizure by H.M. Customs. The amount of cannabis it contained has an estimated street value in excess of five million dollars. This is a major success in the ongoing combined effort by both agencies, to combat drug importation and other forms of criminality at our borders.” The BPS Drugs Unit continues investigations into this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.

Sudden Death of 32-Year-Old Faisal Baia

Tuesday, November 01,2022

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm the death of 32-year-old Faisal Baia and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. The lifeless body of Mr. Baia was found in the Blue Hole Park area of Hamilton parish shortly after 11am Monday, 31st October 2022. He was later pronounced dead at the scene by an on call doctor. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is providing support to Mr. Baia’s loved ones at this difficult time. Foul play is not suspected. However, an autopsy is anticipated. The investigation regarding this sudden death continues and anyone with information that can assist is once again asked to contact Sergeant Cornelius Marc on 717-2233 or, via e-mail cmarc@bps.bm.