Assistant Commissioner David Mirfield - The Bermuda Police Service respects the decision of the court; this has been a difficult case from the outset but one that has always passed the prosecution threshold. We remain confident that the decision to prosecute was right when all of the evidence was taken into account.
The Financial Crime Unit of the Bermuda Police Service reports a marked increase in the number of internet scams circulating Bermuda, the following being the most prevalent:
Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro - May I first start by offering my sincere condolences to the family & friends of Mr. Perkins, whose body was found on Parsons Lane, Devonshire at about 9:00am on Saturday 6th August, 2011.
The death of Mr. Perkins and the location of where he was found has been the subject of intense debate, innuendo, and speculation in some segments of the community. The Bermuda Police Service is only too aware that the history of this particular location holds a lot of mystery for some people, and the fact that three people have lost lives & been found at the same spot will undoubtedly fuel some conspiracy theories.
Shortly after 9am this morning a motorist was traveling on Parsons Lane in Devonshire about 150 meters west of Pure Water when she came upon the lifeless body of a black male. Police immediately attended the scene and after initial investigations contacted the on-call physician who certified death at 10:30am.
Investigations into this death of a 19 year old Devonshire man has commenced which at the moment is being treated as suspicious. An autopsy will be conducted in the near future which will assist with the exact cause of death.
On Friday August 5th, 2011 the members of the Overplus Lane, Store Lane, Farmstead Lane and Paynters Lane area in
Sandys joined together to create a Neighbourhood Watch. Members of the Western Community Action Team (WCAT) Constable Jean Louis and Constable Swainson were contacted by a resident of Store Lane, Ms. Carla Basden, in efforts to help her “take back the neighbourhood."
At approx 3.20pm today, Police responded to a reported disturbance at the Cabinet Office. On their arrival, it was alleged that a 51 year male from Hamilton Parish had acted in a threatening manner towards a Minister. The male was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station. Inquiries are ongoing.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Martin Weekes - The Bermuda Police Service would like to thank the Bermuda Public for their support and assistance over the Cup Match weekend. As you will be aware there were no serious incidents throughout the long weekend despite huge crowds at the game, the Non-Mariners and the many other events that took place. The few problems that occurred were limited to minor outbreaks of anti-social behavior mainly by young teens. These problems in some instances caused the Bermuda Police Service to close down certain events in order to prevent further escalation of anti-social behavior.
At 7:55pm yesterday first responders attended a medical emergency at a residence on Cottage Hill in Hamilton Parish. As a result at 24 year old Hamilton Parish man was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he later was pronounced dead.
No further information will be given until next of kin has been notified and foul play is not suspected.
Today a joint press conference was held with the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Road Safety Council, CADA and the St. George's Cricket Club regarding Cup Match 2011. Here are some of the key messages:
Acting Assistant Commissioner Martin Weekes - The Bermuda Police Service wishes to take this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters to ensure a peaceful and safe time during this year’s Cup Match holiday weekend.
Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva - Good afternoon. I have called this press conference today to report on
Bermuda’s crime statistics for the first and second quarters of 2011 which is the period between 1st January and 30th June. We have seen upticks on many of the categories. This is not by itself worrying: the first quarter crime rate was the lowest it has been in years so an increase in the second quarter is not that surprising. It is difficult to see the big picture when comparing month to month or quarter to quarter because the periods are so short. We would be concerned if the numbers continue to rise, but right now the year on year comparisons indicate that the overall crime rate is relatively low in comparison to recent times.