Press Releases
Inquiries Underway After Circulation of Recorded Altercation
Wed, 2023-01-04
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), is aware of video clips depicting an altercation involving individuals in traditional Bermuda Gombey costume, being circulated on social media.
The matter is being looked into.
We ask that anyone with information on these incidents please call 211 or, the main police number 295-0011.
The BPS urges that should you receive the images, delete them from your device and do not share them on.
Read MoreOperation Vega Update: 5th December 2022 - 3rd January 2023
Tue, 2023-01-03
In this reporting period, Monday, December 5th, 2022 to Tuesday January 3rd, 2023, six hundred and thirty-five moving violation tickets (MVTs), were issued for traffic offences, up from four hundred and twenty-eight in the previous reporting period. In addition, during this reporting period sixty-six motorist advisory notices (MANs) were issued up from forty-eight in the previous reporting period.
269 Parking violation tickets were issued up from 171 in the previous reporting period. 8402 MVT’s have been reported since the implementation of Operation Vega on July 1st, 2021.
Robert Cardwell, Acting Superintendent, Tactical Support Division stated: “Operation Vega remains a critical incident and is in line with the Bermuda Police Service’s Strategic Priorities as they relate to reducing harm on our roads. Worryingly, the incidence of impaired driving continues to increase. A situation that should be extreme concern for us all. There 15 arrests for impaired driving over this Operation Vega reporting period, while for all of 2022, a total of 194 individuals were arrested for driving whilst impaired. This compares with 134 in 2021 and 186 in 2020.
Road side sobriety testing and high vigilance by patrol officers have contributed to these numbers and it appears the public are not taking notice of our pleas to not drink and drive. We continue to attend a number of collisions where impaired driving is a factor. That notwithstanding indications are overall traffic collisions are on the decline. However, there remains much work to be done to further reduce these numbers.”
In the fourth quarter of 2022 there were 265 road traffic collisions (RTCs) recorded. For the same period in 2021, there were 284 RTCs recorded. A reduction of 19 such incidents.
The break-down of traffic offences reported for the latest reporting period is as follows:
Impaired Driving Arrests 15 (+3)
Speeding 295 (+91) Excessive speeds ranged from 57kph to 94kph.
Traffic Sign 45 (+16)
Unlicensed Vehicle 79 (+22)
No third party insurance 75 (+25)
No Driver’s license 60 (+24)
Manner of driving 20 (+16)
Disqualified 14 (+11)
Seatbelt 5 (+3)
Helmet 2 (+2)
Handheld device 2 (-1)
Defective vehicle 9 (+7)
Fail to give name/address 0 (0)
Fail to Stop 8 (+6)
Fraud Docs 0 (-1)
Making False Statement 1 (+1)
License Plate offence 8 (-6)
Tint Offence 10 (+3)
Youth License Offence 0 (-2)
Motorcyclist Injured in Crash Found to be in Possession of Knife
Sun, 2023-01-01
Around 4:53pm on Sunday 1st January 2023, police were conducting laser checks in the area of Middle Road near Store Lane, Sandys, when a male riding a motorcycle traveling west, was clocked at a high rate of speed.
On seeing police the subject turned his motorcycle around, began traveling at speed through Overplus Lane and continued in an easterly direction along the railway trail. Police engaged emergency equipment and a pursuit ensued.
The male failed to stop for police, exiting the railway trail at Tribe Road #5 before continuing east along Middle Road. As he approached Barnes Corner, Southampton, the rider lost control of his motorcycle and struck a wall in the opposite lane, before landing in near by bushes.
Officers immediately rendered first aid to the male who sustained a leg injury in the crash.
While being attended to for his injuries, he was found to be in possession of a large knife.
He was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
No police vehicles were involved in the collision.
Traffic diversions have been put in place at South Road, Middle Road junction and Church Bay Road, while the scene is forensically processed.
Motorists are advised to use South Road until the scene has been cleared.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact Sgt Sean Hassell on 211 or shassell@bps.bm.
11th Road Fatality of 2022
Fri, 2022-12-30
Sadly, Bermuda has recorded it’s 11th road fatality for the year with the passing of the 78-year-old male pedestrian who sustained serious head injuries in a collision with a truck on Pitt’s Bay Road, near the junction with Mills Creek Road, Pembroke.
The collision occurred shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29th. It appears the male truck driver was negotiating a right hand turn onto Mills Creek Road. At the time, and the victim was attempting to cross the junction, when the accident occurred.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision, in particular, the driver of a white Suzuki Ignis and the driver of a delivery truck that was at the scene, is asked to contact Constable Jason Ming of the Roads Policing Unit, on 247-1788 or jming@bps.bm.
The Bermuda Police Service wishes to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Pedestrian Seriously Injured After Being Struck by Truck [Updated]
Thu, 2022-12-29
Around 9:58am on Thursday 29th December 2022, police and other first responders attended scene of a collision involving a truck and a pedestrian on Pitt’s Bay Road, near the junction with Mills Creek Road, Pembroke.
It appears the male truck driver was negotiating a right hand turn onto Miils Creek Road. At the time, a male pedestrian was attempting to cross the junction, when the occurred.
The pedestrian was conveyed to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment of head and facial injuries.
The driver of the truck was not reported to be injured.
Traffic diversions are in place whilst the scene is being processed.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to contact Constable Kayjuna Lema on 211 or klema@bps.bm.
Update: Friday, 30th December - Sadly, Bermuda has recorded it’s 11th road fatality for the year with the passing of the 78-year-old male pedestrian who sustained serious head injuries in a collision with a truck on Pitt’s Bay Road, near the junction with Mills Creek Road, Pembroke.
The collision occurred shortly before 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 29th. It appears the male truck driver was negotiating a right hand turn onto Mills Creek Road. At the time, and the victim was attempting to cross the junction, when the accident occurred.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision, in particular, the driver of a white Suzuki Ignis and the driver of a delivery truck that was at the scene, is asked to contact Constable Jason Ming of the Roads Policing Unit, on 247-1788 or jming@bps.bm.
The Bermuda Police Service wishes to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Rider Suffers Leg Injury After Taxi and Motorcycle Collide
Wed, 2022-12-28
Around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. 28th December 2022, police & EMS were dispatched to a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a taxi and a motorcycle, at the junction of Crow Lane and Spurling Hill, Pembroke.
It was reported that male cycle rider sustained a serious leg injury.
He was attended to at the scene by EMTs and transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
Traffic diversions are now in place at the junction of Spurling Hill and Cavendish road while the scene is being processed.
Public Thanked for Cooperation During Christmas Holiday Policing
Wed, 2022-12-28
The Bermuda Police Service wish to thank the public for helping make this Christmas long weekend a safe and peaceful one for all Bermuda residents. A robust police presence was out on the streets this weekend conducting stop checks and patrols to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and drink driving as well as to deter persons from criminal behaviour.
Despite most people enjoying the holidays in a responsible manner a number of arrests were still made with suspects arrested for drug offences, carrying weapons as well as those found with outstanding warrants. One driver was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst impaired.
There were unfortunately a number of road traffic collisions, some of which resulted in injuries and caused diversions to be put in place.
Around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 12th, 2022, police and EMTs responded to a 911 call reporting a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a male on an auxiliary cycle on Crow Lane.
Upon arrival officers found an unresponsive male lying in the roadway with what appeared to be a serious head injury. EMTs attended to the victim who was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward Hospital for further treatment of his injuries.
Around 7:30pm on Saturday 24th December, police and other first responders were dispatched to the scene of a two vehicle collision along Grey’s Bridge, Sandys, involving a light van and an auxiliary cycle. The 16-year-old-male cyclist sustained multiple injuries and was taken to King Edward Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of his injuries. The male driver of the van was not reported to be injured.
In both cases what were first thought to be serious injuries at the scene were treated at the hospital and the drivers released.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes stated: “I wish to personally thank the community for the cooperation and assistance shown our officers during the festive period. We value this partnership which continues to bring positive results as your Bermuda Police Service continues the work to Make Bermuda Safer.”
The public can expect to see the continued high visibility policing over the New Year holiday.
Rider Hurt in Collision With Van on Grey’s Bridge
Sat, 2022-12-24
Around 7:30pm on Saturday 24th December, police and other first responders were dispatched to the scene of a two vehicle collision along Grey’s Bridge, Sandys, involving a light van and an auxiliary cycle.
Initial information suggests that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the collision occurred.
The 16 year old male cyclist received multiple injuries and was taken to King Edward Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of his injuries.
The male driver of the van was not reported to be injured.
Traffic delays are to be expected while, police process the scene.
BPS Christmas & New Year’s Holiday Safety Advisory
Fri, 2022-12-23
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes – “The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) recognises that during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period, there is an increase in social as well as commercial activity, which is unfortunately often accompanied by an uptick in associated criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
To deter opportunistic crime and provide reassurance to the public, police officers will be patrolling across the island – including the City of Hamilton – engaging with patrons, retailers and motorists to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festivities in a peaceful and safe environment.
Residents are encouraged to assist the BPS in this endeavour by being mindful of the following common sense crime prevention and safety tips.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed when you are away from your car.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Consider securing items inside the trunk or if possible, take them directly home.
• When approaching and leaving your vehicle, always be aware of your surroundings. Park in a well-lit area if possible and do not approach the vehicle alone if there are people standing nearby acting suspiciously.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car. Avoid traveling alone if possible.
• Avoid giving rides to and taking rides from unknown persons, or individuals who may seem eager to assist.
• For women in particular, never leave your handbag unattended in a shopping cart, on a shop counter or on the floor by your feet. Carry your purse close to your body.
• Keep wallets concealed inside a coat or pocket when not in use.
• Don’t take shortcuts through isolated areas.
• If possible, carry a small flashlight and cell-phone in case you need to make an emergency call.
• When shopping with children, make a plan in case you are separated from each other. Identify in advance a central meeting place. Teach them to know they can ask store personnel or security employees if they need help.
• If going out to socialise, arrange to arrive and leave with people you know.
• When out socialising, don’t leave your drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from unknown individuals.
• If you are planning to socialise arrange for transportation home before you leave and don’t drink and drive and don’t let your friends and colleagues drink and drive.
Residents are also encouraged to always lock their doors and windows when leaving home, even for a few minutes. If leaving home for an extended period of time, ask a neighbour or family member to watch the house. Displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through windows or doors.
In addition to the late night shopping activity, this time of year is marked by increased socialising with family, friends and colleagues at various festive events. Where intoxicants are involved, unfortunately, we also typically see increases in road traffic collisions and anti-social behaviour. As a result the Bermuda Police Service encourages members of the public to enjoy themselves responsibly.
Patrons attending Christmas and New Year’s parties are asked to be mindful of their behaviour. Carefully consider your options and the consequences. The BPS is prepared to appropriately address any anti-social behaviour that may occur and will use all lawful powers to deter and detect offenders, as well as offences, as necessary.
Police officers will be out monitoring the roads during the holiday period. Traffic checks can be expected at various locations, particularly where events are taking place, with road sobriety checkpoints scheduled for 29th December 2022 through 1st January 2023 at various locations across the island.
Finally, on behalf of the Commissioner and the Bermuda Police Service, I wish you all a safe and pleasant holiday period and thank you for helping us Make Bermuda Safer.”
Inspector Tomlinson Completes Overseas Staff & Junior Command Course
Tue, 2022-12-20
Inspector Mark Tomlinson of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) successfully completed eleven (11) weeks of command and leadership training at the
National Police College of Jamaica.
The course, which is the 86th batch of the Staff and Junior Command Course (SJCC), has trained and equipped middle management officers with contemporary policing skills geared towards their development as effective police commanders.
The course primarily covered modules in Personal Effectiveness, Police Leadership and Management, Police Administration, Crime, Investigation and Intelligence Management as well as Operations and Critical Incident Management.
The course also included two weeks of operational command experience out in the field. Inspector Tomlinson said, “The course was very challenging but the content and the results were rewarding.” He intends to apply much of what he has learned within the BPS.
Thirty (30) police officers, ranging from Inspector to Deputy Superintendent participated in the course.
