The Bermuda Police Service is currently conducting inquiries into a series of sexual assaults in Southampton, Warwick and Paget which we believe may be linked. In the past several months, women have reported to the Police that they have been awoken during the early morning hours by a male who has assaulted them. On each occasion investigations have revealed that entry had been gained into the residence through an insecure door or window.

A team of investigators at the Serious Crime Unit is investigating these reports and specific lines of inquiry are being followed. We would like to advise the public to take all reasonable steps to ensure that their residences are secured, particularly at nighttime, by locking doors and windows. Further crime prevention advice is provided here. Specific advice regarding the personal safety of women is available here.

It would be inappropriate for the Bermuda Police Service to comment any further at this stage as the investigations are still very active and we wish to protect the integrity of those investigations. We are advising that women be vigilant in their homes, that proper steps are taken to secure their residences and that any suspicious activity is reported to the Police at the earliest opportunity.

The community also has a role to play, in as much as they can report to the Police any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods by contacting the Serious Crime Unit on 299-4292 or the confidential Crimestoppers Hotline on 1-800-623-8477.