The Cup Match period is one of the busiest policing periods in Bermuda. This year Cup Match is being held at the Somerset Cricket Club. The Bermuda Police Service has prepared contingency plans to ensure that the Cup Match period is safe for all residents and visitors on the island. We are advising the public that there will be a heavy Police presence on the streets, on the water, at the game and any other major events taking place between now and Sunday 3rd August.
We will be paying particular attention to the following areas:
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Gang rivalry and associated activity
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Use of illegal drugs
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Impaired operating of vehicles on a road
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Impaired operating of a water vessel
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Speeding/dangerous operation of vessels on the water
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Speeding/dangerous driving on the roads
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Any antisocial behaviour
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Possession of bladed articles or prohibited weapons
We are urging the community to be considerate and conform to Bermuda’s laws; we will be taking a zero tolerance approach and enforcing all laws vigorously. The public should be aware that we intend to use the provisions of Section 315F of the Criminal Code to allow for random searching of persons in prescribed areas for prohibited pointed or bladed articles. There will be extra patrols during the evening to police the planned events; this will include officers from our Roads Policing Unit as well as the Marine Unit. There will be a significant Police presence at the game, and we will continue to have an armed response on duty during this period. There is no specific threat; however, with an armed response available the BPS will be prepared for any eventuality.
There have been recent incidents of conflict between gangs from Somerset and Town and we will deal with any such incidents to the full extent of the law. We will not be tolerating any such behaviour.
We will also be working with the Somerset Cricket Club to ensure that no offensive or prohibited weapons are taken into the club. We remind the public that it is illegal to carry a bladed or pointed article with a blade longer than 3 inches. It is advisable that if in doubt, leave the article at home. We intend to deal vigorously with any antisocial behaviour inside the grounds to ensure that all persons at the game have a safe and enjoyable time. We would also like to inform the public that the location of the Police caravan has changed. It will be near the previous location but will have to be accessed from outside the grounds.
We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Cup Match and encourage everyone to do their part to ensure that there are no casualties on our roads or in the waters.
