Press Releases
Good Friday Holiday Policing
Thu, 2023-04-06
The upcoming Good Friday Holiday and the Easter Weekend will see a number of events and festive activities at various locations across the Island. The Bermuda Police Service takes this opportunity to advise the public on a number of matters to ensure a peaceful and safe time during this period.
During the holiday weekend the public will notice a visible police presence as patrols attend the various community events throughout the Island with a view to deterring anti-social behaviour.
Martin Weekes, Assistant Commissioner of Police said: “We apologise in advance and seek the patience of members of the public who may feel the effects of our pro-active policing initiatives which can be expected throughout the weekend as we focus our attention on deterring and arresting those persons who are intent on disrupting the holiday festivities with acts of violence and criminality.”
“During this period, we expect to see a large number of kites flying as part of Bermuda’s Easter traditions and we urge the public to be considerate of your neighbours when flying your kites. Please take note of the safety advice issued by BELCO as well as the advisory notices published by the Airport authorities in regards to kites being flown near the airport or on the airport approaches.”
The BPS usually gets a high number of noise complaints during this period, and we ask that you work together with your neighbours to prevent any disputes and resolve any issues with minimal police interference.
The BPS will be continuing to enforce traffic offences under Operation VEGA, such as the use of cellphones whilst driving, impaired driving and speeding will again be targeted this weekend. Roadside Sobreity Checkpoints will also be in place over the long weekend and so we urge the public that if you’re going to drink, make sure that you have a designated driver. Do not drink and drive.
Work with us to make it a safe holiday weekend.
Read MoreRoad Sobriety Checkpoints in Effect 6th Through 9th April 2023
Wed, 2023-04-05
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, 6th April through Sunday, 9th April 2023.
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.
Bladed Article Incidents
Tue, 2023-04-04
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), continues to be called to attend incidents involving the use of bladed articles.
Between April 1st 2022 and April 1st 2023, there have been a total of 25 bladed article injury incidents reported to and investigated by police. Sadly, three of these 25 incidents have resulted in death. These are being investigated as murders, for which suspects have been arrested.
The ages of the victims of bladed article attacks range from 13, to 52 years of age, suggesting that age is not a barrier to becoming a victim of knife crime. Apart from one incident in which a female was stabbed at Horseshoe Bay in May of last year, the victims are all male.
The ages of the suspects in these matters range from 14 to 46 years of age with, 50% of suspects in their 20s. We are particularly concerned with trends of young people of school age carrying bladed items and we urge parents to talk to their children to make them aware of the dangers of knife crime and the serious injuries that be inflicted with a bladed article.
It is troubling that individuals are arming themselves with bladed items out of fear of being targeted for violence. However, we reiterate that carrying a knife or other bladed item actually puts you at greater risk of becoming involved in a dangerous situation, rather than preventing you from becoming a victim. Our advice is always that should you feel threatened, walk away from possible confrontation.
The BPS will continue to work to make Bermuda safer by conducting checks under Section 315F of the Criminal Code Act 1907, which gives police the power to stop and search individuals and vehicles to prevent violence. This is not a power that is used indiscriminately but is used in a careful and proportionate manner. Deployment of these stop checks are overseen by an officer of Superintendent rank and reviewed each month.
The penalties for being found in public carrying a bladed article, if convicted on indictment, are imprisonment for four years or a fine of five thousand dollars or both.
If you feel threatened, do not arm yourself. Report your concern to someone in authority. Whether that person be a parent, caregiver or some other adult or, obviously the police. You may call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, speak with a police officer you’re familiar with. The BPS is here to help reduce harm and make Bermuda safer.
Operation Vega Update for March & First Quarter of 2023
Mon, 2023-04-03
Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell, Tactical Operations Division – “In the first quarter of 2023 collision numbers have trended upwards, when compared to the previous year. The prevalent reasons for collisions are inattention and carelessness. Bermuda has suffered four fatal collisions in 2023’s first quarter, which is higher than the three fatal collisions recorded in the first quarter of 2022. Serious injury collisions continue to rise.”
Statistics
There were 66 impaired driving arrests in the first quarter of 2023 – 14 in January, 27 in February and 25 in March – compared to 34 impaired driving arrests in the first quarter of 2022.
During the month of March 2023, 468 traffic tickets were issued, up from 358 in the previous reporting period. In addition, 51 motorist advice notices (official written warnings) were issued, down from 56 in the previous reporting period.
172 parking tickets were also issued, up from 105 in the previous reporting period.
Since the start of Operation Vega (6th July 2021), a total of 9,230 traffic tickets have been issued.
The breakdown of ticketed traffic offences for March 2023 is below. The change compared to the previous reporting period is provided in brackets.
Speeding 241 (+19) Speeds ranged from 60 kph to 93 kph.
Traffic sign 26 (-26)
Unlicensed vehicle 50 (+26)
No third party insurance 46 (+25)
No driver’s licence 54 (+37)
Manner of driving 2 (-3)
Disqualified driver 7 (+7)
Seatbelt 4 (+2)
Helmet 8 (0)
Handheld device 18 (+15)
Defective vehicle 2 (0)
Fail to give name/address 0 (0)
Fail to stop 5 (+3)
Fraudulent documents 0 (0)
Making false statement 2 (+2)
License plate offence 7 (+7)
Tint offence 0 (0)
Youth license offence 2 (+2)
Sudden Death of 31-Year-Old Amanda Chibwe
Tue, 2023-03-28
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the identity of the sudden death victim who was pulled from the waters off Southlands Beach in Warwick as 31-year-old Amanda Chibwe.
Around 4:45p.m. on Friday, 24th March, 2023, police and other first responders attended Southlands Beach following reports that a woman was found unresponsive in the water and pulled to shore.
She was attended to at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where sadly, she was pronounced dead a short time later.
Foul play has been ruled out.
Ms. Chibwe, a U.K. National, was visiting the island at the time of her passing.
The Bermuda Police Service extends its condolences to Ms. Chibwe’s family and loved ones.
Reported Serious Collision in Devonshire: Two Boys Injured
Sun, 2023-03-26
Shortly after 7pm on Sunday, 26th March, 2023, police and other first responders were dispatched to a serious road traffic collision involving a motor car and a pedal cycle near the junction of Brighton Hill Road and Brighton Lane in Devonshire.
Reports are the 13 year old male pedal bike rider, suffered abrasions to his knees and hands and his 7 year old male pillion passenger suffered a suspected broken leg.
They were both transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment for those injuries.
The male driver of the motorcar was unhurt.
The scene has now been closed off to vehicular traffic while it is being processed by Traffic Collision Investigators and officers from the Forensics Support Unit.
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to contact PC Anthony Smith on 717-2362 or via email, asmith@bps.bm.
Witness Appeal: Man Dies After Altercation in Sandys Parish
Sun, 2023-03-26
The Bermuda Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance with its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a male who was involved in an altercation on Clyde Best Lane, Sandys on Saturday, 25th March 2023.
Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have used their mobile phone to record the incident which started near the junction of Hook and Ladder Lane and Middle Road, before it shifted to Clyde Best Lane.
There were several people in the area at the time as there were football games in progress on the nearby Somerset Cricket Club field.
If you recorded the altercation using your phone or other device, or if you have any information about the incident, we are appealing for you to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or via email, adonawa@bps.bm.
Man Dies After Altercation in Sandys Parish
Sat, 2023-03-25
Around 9:35am on Saturday, 25th March 2023, police were dispatched to a report of an altercation involving several men, on Somerset Road, near to the junction of Hook and Ladder Lane, Sandys.
The altercation eventually shifted onto Clyde Best Lane.
The circumstances surrounding the altercation are unclear at this time, however, one of the men involved was transported to KEMH with life threatening injuries.
He has since succumbed to those injuries.
Police have cordoned off Clyde Best Lane while detectives process the scene.
We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any part of the altercation or anyone who may have information about the incident to call Acting Detective Sgt. Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or adonawa@bps.bm.
Update: Sunday, 26th March - The Bermuda Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance with its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a male who was involved in an altercation on Clyde Best Lane, Sandys on Saturday, 25th March 2023.
Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have used their mobile phone to record the incident which started near the junction of Hook and Ladder Lane and Middle Road, before it shifted to Clyde Best Lane.
There were several people in the area at the time as there were football games in progress on the nearby Somerset Cricket Club field.
If you recorded the altercation using your phone or other device, or if you have any information about the incident, we are appealing for you to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or via email, adonawa@bps.bm.
Stabbing Incident in Sandys Parish
Mon, 2023-03-20
Around 3:40 p.m. on Monday 20th March, 2023, police received a report that several males were fighting on Cambridge Road in Somerset.
Upon arrival officers observed a male with a stab wound to the back.
He was transported via private vehicle to hospital for treatment for his injuries which are not thought to be life threatening.
Cambridge Road has been cordoned off whilst enquiries into this matter continue.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact PC Bailey via email, rbailey@bps.bm.
You may also call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.
Alternatively, we urge you to share that information with a police officer you know.
Theft From Jewellery Store
Fri, 2023-03-17
Around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 17th, 2023, Police were dispatched to E.R. Aubrey at #19 Queen Street, City of Hamilton, in response to a reported robbery.
Upon arrival, officers were informed a male entered the store and requested to see a gold chain that was on display.
The man is reported to have snatched the chain from a store clerk’s hand and ran out of the store without payment.
He made his way to the Queen Elizabeth Park where it was reported he jumped onto a waiting motorbike ridden by another person and fled the scene.
The subject who snatched the chain is described as light brown complexioned, 5’ 7” in height, thin built, wearing dark clothing, Manchester United mask, black hat and sneakers.
Checks were conducted in the areas of Queen Elizabeth Park, Par-la-Ville Road, Queen Street, Reid Street and Church Street, with negative results.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Police Sergeant Dominique Simons on 717-2469, 295-0011 ext. 1685 or via email: dominique.simons@bps.bm.
