Press Releases
Reported Serious Two Motorcycle Collision in Southampton: Three Hurt
Fri, 2022-10-14
Three people, a female motorcycle rider, her female pillion passenger and a male motorcycle rider, were taken to hospital following a head on road traffic collision on the Rising Sun stretch, Middle Road, Southampton, around 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 13th, 2022.
The female motorcyclist whose age remains unconfirmed, suffered a head wound and was unresponsive for a short time.
Her eighteen year old female pillion passenger, was left with abrasions about the body.
The thirty one year old male motorcycle rider, sustained a broken leg and suspected broken arm.
All three were transported to hospital by ambulance for further treatment of their injuries, which are not considered life-threatening at this time.
The crash resulted in a three hour road closure with traffic diverted from the scene as it was processed by Traffic Collision Investigators and officers from the Forensic Support Unit.
Both motorcycles were written off.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed or, has information on this serious road traffic collision, to please call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.
Read MoreAssistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels Attends CONSLE Meeting
Wed, 2022-10-12
On the heels of Bermuda Government’s ‘Stop the Violence' two-day community workshop, the Minister of National Security Mr. Michael Weeks, JP MP,
together with Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Antoine Daniels, recently attended the 24th sitting of the annual meeting of the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The 3-day meeting was attended by Government Ministers and law enforcement representatives from the CARICOM member states, as well as U.S. leads from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (HSI).
Dr. Horace Chang the CONSLE Chair, who also performs dual roles as Jamaica’s Deputy Leader and Minister for National Security, stated that the meeting was an opportunity to examine solutions to discuss complex challenges facing the CARICOM region, with a singular focus, as well as to explore ways to strengthen existing frameworks and partnerships.
He identified four priority areas that are of common security interest to member states.
These are:
o Firearms Trafficking
o Cyber Security
o Trafficking in Persons and
o Maritime Security.
Although small islands in terms of landmass, there are huge vulnerabilities due to the vast ocean geography. Risks are not only associated with the smuggling of firearms and illicit drugs, but also unlawful fishing by international vessels, thus creating a real threat to fishing stocks, with island residents suffering from potential food shortages in future. A particular reference was made to a ship that was tracked, targeted and boarded by law enforcement whereby 240 metric tons (+500,000 pounds) of assorted tuna was removed from the Caribbean Sea by unauthorized international fisherman. The dual threat of land and sea criminality, with conservative estimates as high as 10% of member states GDP potentially being lost.
A key and reoccurring theme of the meeting was a heavy emphasis on strengthening partnerships, training, building international alliances, having effective implementation plans, information/intelligence sharing, leveraging technology, having more agility and less bureaucracy and building a framework to deploy existing and any new resources more effectively.
The Chair, Dr. Chang, noted that 4 CARICOM states are currently included in the world’s top 10 for homicide rates per 100,000 residents. He spoke about the scourge of firearms within the Caribbean Region and the effect this has on the quality of life, namely people, the environment and the economy. Despite there being no firearms manufacturers in any of the member states, 70% of Jamaica’s annual average of 1,300 homicides are committed with the use of firearms, that are too easily accessible to organised crime groups, and those individuals’ intent on causing harm and death.
ACOP Daniels stated: “There is a continuous requirement for Bermuda law enforcement agencies to strengthen their relationships with our Caribbean and U.S counterparts, such as CBP/ATF/HSI, as there are striking similarities between the multiple challenges facing the Caribbean and Bermuda, with us all being small island states surrounded by vast expanses of ocean.”
Mr. Daniels added: “Despite the scale/scope of issues differing in terms of volume, many of the root causes of violence and community impact are identical. Bermuda has already experienced 8 murders in 2022 alone, and 11 persons killed within a 12-month period with the use of either a firearm (6) or bladed instrument (5), both unprecedented since the recording of annual statistics began.
Although violence in our society is a complex, wider community problem and not solely a law enforcement one, the BPS and its local partners have an important role to play in an effort to tackle current and emerging threats, ensuring that the most dangerous criminals are targeted, apprehended, prosecuted and incarcerated.”
Minister Weeks was pleased to have attended the workshop with ACOP Daniels and found the sessions extremely informative. Meeting other Island leaders and discussing common issues amongst the Islands, was very helpful, particularly as we fine tune our strategy for tackling violence and anti-social behaviour in Bermuda.
Operation Vega Update
Tue, 2022-10-11
We are once again reporting good performance across the police service with the Operation Vega traffic enforcement initiative. We are pleased with the results, albeit the numbers are down from the previous reporting period.
When assessing these numbers, we also have to consider the number of calls for service requiring police officer attendance. These calls for service must be addressed in tandem with Operation Vega.
We continue to be concerned with the number of unlicensed and uninsured vehicles on the roads. We once again advise everyone to ensure your vehicle is licensed and insured. Also, that your driver’s license is current and not expired.
We are delighted that Operation Vega appears to be having some influence on collision numbers. We recently reported that 3rd quarter collision numbers were reduced when compared with previous years. This is indeed the space we want to be in, but we still have much work in front of us to bring down the numbers further and achieve our overall goal of making Bermuda safer, including on the roads.
The break-down of traffic offences reported is as follows:
· Speeding 281 (-87) (Over the limit speeds ranged from 59 kph to 95 kph)
· Traffic Sign 39 (-74)
· Unlicensed Vehicle 55 (-20)
· No third party insurance 56 (-3)
· No Driver’s license 32 (-14)
· Manner of driving 14 (+2)
· Disqualified 5 (+2)
· Seatbelt 11 (+7)
· Helmet 5 (-10)
· Handheld device 0 (+0)
· Defective vehicle 2 (-5)
· Fail to give name/address 0 (0)
· Fail to Stop 2 (-8)
· Fraud Docs 6 (+5)
· Defective Vehicle 2 (+2)
· Making False Statement 1 (+1)
· Impaired Driving Arrests 17
Competing with Operation Vega performance are calls for service. This was a busy period for calls for service with 976 recorded in this period.
Investigation Underway Regarding Robbery at Collector's Hill Service Station
Tue, 2022-10-11
An investigation has been launched following a robbery at the Collector’s Hill Esso Service Station, on South Road, Devonshire.
The incident occurred around 10:00 pm on Monday, 10th October 2022.
Information is, the suspect rode into the parking lot on a dark coloured motorcycle, approached a staff member who was standing behind the cashier counter and demanded money.
The staff member noticed that the suspect placed their hands in the waist region as if reaching for something.
However, no weapon was seen and no one was injured.
The suspect escaped with a quantity of cash and rode off on the motor bike he arrived on, headed in a westerly direction on South Road.
The suspect described as slim built, 6’1” tall and was wearing black clothing, black bubble rain jacket, black helmet, a mask and grey gloves.
Anyone with information on this incident, is asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant, Whitney Wilkinson on 717-2496 or via email – wwilkinson@bps.bm.
Alternatively you may call the police reporting number, 211, the main police number, 295-0011 or, share the information with a police officer you’re familiar with.
Motorcyclist Admitted Into ICU After Collision With Car Sunday Evening
Wed, 2022-10-05
Around 7:40pm Sunday, 2nd October 2022, a reported collision involving a car and a motorcycle occurred at the junction of Montpelier Road and Happy Valley Road in Devonshire.
It appears that a motorcyclist was travelling north along Montpelier Road and a car was being driven in the opposite direction along Montpelier Road when the car driver, said to be a 64-year-old Devonshire man, attempted to turn right on to Happy Valley Road.
As a result the vehicles collided at the junction and the rider, said to be a 38-year-old Sandys parish man, was seriously injured.
He was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance and admitted into the Intensive Care Unit.
The car driver was not hurt. However his front seat passenger, said to be a 60-year-old Devonshire woman, apparently sustained cuts to her face.
Traffic was diverted for approximately three hours while the scene was processed.
Inquiries continue and any witnesses are encouraged to call 211 or e-mail 211@bps.bm as soon as possible.
Third Quarter 2022 Road Traffic Collision Figures
Mon, 2022-10-03
Traffic collisions in the 3rd quarter of 2022 were significantly reduced, when compared with 3rd quarter figures for the three years prior.
Between July and September of this year, there were 264 road traffic collisions. For the corresponding three months of 2021, there were 352 such incidents. In 2020 the third quarter figure stood at 315 and in 2019, 384.
Robert Cardwell – Chief Inspector, Tactical Support Division, said: “This represents a marked reduction in road traffic collisions. Reflecting on 2nd quarter collision numbers, for 2022 they edged up slightly over 2021. However, for the first quarter of 2022, the number was lower than the same period in 2021 as was the 4th quarter of 2021, when compared with the years 2020 and 2019.”
The Chief Inspector added: “We attribute collision reductions to the hard work of our officers in progressing Operation Vega. That notwithstanding, we still find speeding offences to be the most prominent offence reported. We also attribute many of these collisions to speed. We continue to encourage Bermuda to slow down on the roads. Unfortunately, Impaired driving also remains prevalent on our roads. In the 1st quarter of 2022, twenty-eight drivers were arrested for impaired. In the 2nd quarter fifty-one drivers were arrested and in the 3rd quarter 70. That is 149 impaired drivers arrested in 2022 so far.”
When impaired your, ability to accurately perceive what is going on around you is severely hindered, your reaction time slows down, your mental capacity is affected, your coordination is thrown off and motor skills become diminished thus increasing your chances of being involved in a collision.
Mr Cardwell added: “Drivers should also consider that operating a vehicle whilst impaired, threatens not only their lives but also to the lives of any passengers in their vehicle. Not to mention, the lives of other road users.”
Appearing before the courts, anyone charged with impaired driving can expect a fine of one thousand dollars as well as to be banned from operating a vehicle for 18 months.
In order to help prevent road traffic collisions, the public is reminded:
1. Do not operate a vehicle whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs.
2. Avoid using mobile devices when operating a vehicle.
3. When operating a vehicle, look well ahead for hazards, brake lights and turn signals.
4. Always maintain sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front so that you have enough room to stop safely.
5. Observe the speed limit.
6. Obey road traffic signs.
7. Ensure your vehicle is in good working order.
Criminal Records / Vetting Office Change of Hours Friday, 30th September
Wed, 2022-09-28
Please be advised that there's a minor shift in opening hours for our Criminal Records / Vetting Office located at the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building, Court Street, Hamilton.
On Friday, September 30th, 2022, opening hours will be 9:00am-9:45am and 12:45pm – 4:00pm.
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience and assure the public that normal opening hours for this office will resume on Monday, October 3rd, 2022.
Sudden Death in St. David's
Wed, 2022-09-28
Around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, September 27th 2022, police received reports of an unresponsive male in a punt at the St. David’s Variety wharf.
Officers attended the scene and administered CPR until the arrival of EMTs who took over.
There has so far, been no indication of foul play or, suspicious circumstances involved.
However, the investigation into this matter is ongoing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the police reporting number 211 or, the main police line, 295-0011.
Operation Kagera: Man Arrested, Quantity of Suspected Drugs Seized
Thu, 2022-09-22
On Tuesday, September, 20th, police officers executed a search warrant in support of Operation Kagera.
The operation was conducted by officers of the Tactical Operations Division. A quantity of suspected cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, along with drug paraphernalia were seized.
A male suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, as well as other offences in connection with this ongoing operation.
Inspector Shakisha Minors of the Tactical Unit stated, “The use of these drugs can have serious effects including, permanent physical health damage, addiction and possible overdose death."
Anyone with information on any individual engaged in the sale of these serious harmful drugs or, any illicit items, is strongly encouraged to contact the Bermuda Police Service on 295-0011, the non-emergency contact centre on 211 or the confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.
Motorcyclist Chases Car Driver From Devonshire to City of Hamilton: Witnesses Sought
Tue, 2022-09-20
Police are investigating an incident which occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Monday, 19th September, 2022, on South Road near Devonshire Bay.
The incident involved a single rider on a motorcycle pursuing a silver coloured motorcar, east on South Road towards Collectors Hill then back west on South Road to Trimmingham Hill.
The pursuit continued over Trimmingham Hill on to East Broadway then up Spurling Hill to Reid Street and on to Court Street.
It ended near the junction of Parliament and Church Streets when the cycle rode away.
The cycle is described as a dark step though motorcycle.
The rider was a black male wearing a face mask/bandana with a skull print, a dark coloured helmet and a black and white Tee-shirt.
Police are particularly interested in speaking with a taxi operator who was driving his taxi in the area of Spurling Hill, and may have had to take evasive action as a result of this incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information on it, is asked to call 211 or the Duty Sergeant at the Hamilton Police Station at 295-0011.
