Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Wright - There have been shooting incidents on 3 consecutive weekends starting on Halloween resulting in gunshot injuries to five victims. The Bermuda Police Service is very concerned about this escalation of violence which appears to be gang related. Naturally there is also a great deal of alarm and anxiety shared by many people in our community. I want to assure everyone that reducing the violence and catching and convicting the persons responsible is a top priority for the Bermuda Police Service.
 
Prior to and throughout this period there has been a significant police presence on the streets. The Bermuda Police Service has exercised powers to search in anticipation of further violence resulting in hundreds of searches and arrests for a wide variety of offences. Despite the inconvenience caused to law abiding members of the public, the proactive actions of the police have been very well received and supported.
 
The Bermuda Police Service has the resources and the expertise to solve these crimes. The Serious Crime Unit has been expanded and is committed to fully investigating every incident. We now have investigators working alongside uniformed Police Support Unit and Armed Response officers from the public protection department. They work together to ensure that there is synergy and mutual support to achieve their objectives. They are all well trained and equipped and they are all working very hard to making Bermuda safer.
 
We are focusing our efforts on those who have already been identified as Prolific Priority Offenders and have put systems in place for an enhanced follow up to ensure that all investigative opportunities are seized whenever they come into contact with police.
 
We know what we are confronted with. The safety of our communities is threatened by a small number of well known violent offenders that are intent on attacking each other with an absolute disregard for the safety of others that might be placed in danger or otherwise affected. We are catching these offenders and putting them before the courts. Over the past several months hardly a week goes by without the media reporting on violent offenders appearing at court.
 
This is not an easy task. There are many examples where Bermuda Police Service investigators are satisfied that people have witnessed incidents and can identify the offenders but refuse to cooperate with police. The community owes these offenders no shelter from the law. They must be held to account. The evidence that is needed to solve these cases can be found in a combination of scientific evidence, the provision of accurate and timely information and the active participation of complainants and witnesses.
 
I have previously stated that the police are using their lawful powers of search but we are very concerned that police will be confronted by armed persons who might place themselves and others in danger by their actions.
 
Bermuda quite rightly has a low tolerance for violent and anti social behavior – Use the Bermuda Police Service and use Crime Stoppers (800-8477) to play your part in denying the criminal few their view that they can do whatever they want.
 
Superintendent Antoine Daniels - Around 11:30pm Friday, Police responded to a report of gunshots fired outside of Southside Cinema in St. George’s Parish.
 
On arrival at the scene a short time later, officers observed a 26 year old Pembroke man and a 24 year old St. George’s woman being treated for what appeared to be a number of gunshot wounds. They were conveyed to hospital and treated for their respective injuries and at last check were said to be in stable condition.
 
The Bermuda Police Service wishes to extend best wishes to the victims, their family and close friends.
 
Officers from the Bermuda Police Service immediately commenced an investigation into this matter. Acting Chief Inspector Michael Redfern of the Serious Crime Unit is leading the investigation.
 
Investigators are following specific lines of enquiry and to date a number of witness statements have been recorded. I use this opportunity on behalf of the Bermuda Police Service to thank all those persons who have so far provided assistance.
 
Two men are presently in police custody, an 18 year old Hamilton Parish man and a 28 year old man from Pembroke Parish.
 
Additionally police have recovered a firearm they believe was the weapon used during the commission of this shooting.
 
A forensic crime scene expert is currently on island assisting investigators with processing the crime scene, firearm and other exhibits that have been seized so far.
 
Police officers would like to make a number of specific appeals:

• Investigators would like to speak with anyone whether they saw the incident or not who attended the 9:30pm movie at Southside Cinema on Friday 13th November 2009.
• Anyone that was on the main road or in the immediate vicinity near Southside Cinema during the period 11pm – midnight on Friday night.
• Any person that has any information whether they believe it to be important or not is asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit office at 299-8115.

In addition, anyone with any information can call the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477 or submit an anonymous tip via the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website www.crimestoppers.bm.
 
The Bermuda Police Service is proactively using enhanced search powers in efforts to prevent and deter criminals that might seek to mount further attacks. Over the weekend 144 persons were searched and 27 arrests made for a variety of offences.
 
These operations can create delays and inconvenience for some members of the public and the Bermuda Police Service appreciates the support and understanding of those law abiding members of the public as we conduct these necessary robust police activities.
 
Armed Response Vehicle duties have been expanded to give more support to the investigating team, provide high visibility policing in identified “hot spots” and respond to any potential future firearm or other related incidents.