Press Releases
Stolen Tools Advisory
Mon, 2022-03-21
The Bermuda Police Service, has been receiving increased reports of tools being stolen from tool sheds and vehicles. With that in mind we thought we would share with you some tips that would assist in preventing you falling victim to such incidents.
Secure your tool shed with a high quality padlock and hardened steel security chain. Cheap padlocks and cable locks can be easily removed with a bolt cutter. Hardened-steel security chain and high-quality padlocks provide much better protection as thieves can’t easily cut through them.
A heavy-duty tool box should also be a consideration. You may want to remove the casters or, purchase one without casters and set it on the ground. That way thieves can’t simply roll it away.
Unless you plan on selling them on, another method of securing your tools would be to alter their appearance. Remove the brand name plate (but leave the plate containing the tool’s serial number). Next, have your name or, in the case of contractors, your company’s name or some other easily identifiable mark engraved in a prominent area on your tools. You may also use paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. These markings would make it difficult for a thief to sell your stolen property.
Remove the battery and charger from your power tools and store them separately. Stolen battery-powered tools are more difficult to sell, if they don’t include the battery and charger, thus making them less attractive to thieves.
Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools.
Finally take photographs of these valuable items, make a note of the serial numbers.
Members of the public are advised, if you are approached by anyone selling tools or any other items for that matter, make sure that you are shown proper proof of ownership of the item being sold, so as to avoid falling victim to purchasing stolen goods. If you suspect the items are stolen, you should contact 211 or the main police number, 295-0011 and provide a description of the person selling the items as well as the items being offered for sale.
You should also be aware that under the Criminal Code Act 1907, “A person guilty of handling stolen goods shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or to imprisonment for five years or both; and on conviction on indictment, to a fine of $150,000 or imprisonment for fourteen years, or both.”
Read MoreSudden Death of 89-Year-Old James H. Brown
Mon, 2022-03-21
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 89-year-old James H. Brown and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Brown, a Devon Spring Lane resident, was seriously injured in a fire at his Devonshire home around 5:30pm Thursday, 17th March 2022 and subsequently pronounced dead at the hospital that evening.
The cause of this fatal fire remains under investigation and once again, anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call 247-1744 or 211 as soon as possible.
Reported Missing Person: 59-Year-Old Amtina Tweed [Located]
Fri, 2022-03-18
The Bermuda Police Service is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating 59-year-old Amtina Tweed.
Ms. Tweed, apparently also known as Tina, is described as dark complexioned, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 140 pounds and was last seen in the Marsh Lane, Pembroke area.
She is said to frequent City of Hamilton areas including Victoria Park, the public library on Queen Street and Angle Street in the vicinity of Fish & Tings.
There is concern for Ms. Tweed’s wellbeing, as it is reported that she has not been seen or heard from in the past 48 hours.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 59-year-old Amtina (Tina) Tweed is encouraged to call 211 or the main police number, 295-0011 as soon as possible.
Update: Saturday, 19th March - We are happy to report that 59-year-old Amtina Tweed, has been located and is safe. The Bermuda Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Ms. Tweed.
Sudden Death of 89-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured in Apartment Fire [Updated]
Fri, 2022-03-18
Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can confirm that the 89-year-old man seriously injured in a fire at a Devonshire apartment building Thursday, 17th March 2022 was subsequently pronounced dead at the hospital Thursday evening.
The Devon Spring Lane resident was extracted from the building by firefighters, who performed CPR on the senior citizen at the scene – but ultimately, he succumbed to his injuries.
Official identification of the deceased is anticipated in due course, pending next of kin notification.
The site was held overnight until the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service Fire Investigator and the BPS Forensic Support Unit processed it this morning (Friday, 18th March).
The BPS is also aware of videos circulating of the incident, with one in particular showing the firefighters performing CPR on the seriously hurt 89-year-old man outside the building – and appeal to members of the public not to further circulate video of the lifesaving efforts, out of respect for the deceased’s family.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call 247-1744 or 211 as soon as possible.
Update: Monday, 21st March - The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 89-year-old James H. Brown and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Mr. Brown, a Devon Spring Lane resident, was seriously injured in a fire at his Devonshire home around 5:30pm Thursday, 17th March 2022 and subsequently pronounced dead at the hospital that evening.
The cause of this fatal fire remains under investigation and once again, anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call 247-1744 or 211 as soon as possible.
Confirmed Firearm Incident, No Reported Injuries: Deepdale, Pembroke
Fri, 2022-03-18
Around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday 17th March, 2022, police received reports of gunshots in the Deepdale, Pembroke area.
Callers to the 911 emergency number indicated two males on a dark coloured cycle rode in a southerly direction up One Way Deepdale and fired a single shot.
The rider was reportedly wearing a black jacket. The pillion passenger was described as a heavy set male, wearing grey track pants with a black jacket.
There were no injuries reported.
Investigations into the incident have commenced and anyone with information is asked to call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. You may also speak with a police officer with whom you are familiar.
Renewed Appeal: 2nd Anniversary of Clarke Fox Murder, Attempted Murder of Kyari Flood
Thu, 2022-03-17
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is renewing our appeal for information in connection with the murder of Clarke Fox and the attempted murder of Kyari Flood.
Mr. Fox was fatally shot and Mr. Flood wounded, two years ago, on Tuesday the 17th of March 2020, in broad daylight on Court Street in Pembroke. The two suspects were on a dark coloured motorcycle; the rider was wearing a light coloured sweat top, blue jeans, multi-coloured sneakers, gloves and a dark coloured full faced helmet – while the passenger was wearing a dark coloured jacket, dark coloured pants, dark sneakers, a white helmet with tinted full faced visor and was in possession of a firearm.
The suspect motorcycle travelled south on Court Street and the pillion passenger discharged multiple shots towards Mr. Fox and Mr. Flood (the two victims) who were standing near the junction of Court Street and Elliot Street, Pembroke. The two victims ran south on Court Street towards Dundonald Street, as the suspect vehicle pursued them and the passenger continued to discharge the weapon in their direction. In an attempt to flee the shooter, Mr. Fox and Mr. Flood turned around and ran north on Court Street, heading back towards Elliot Street. The suspect motorcycle turned around and continued to pursue Mr. Fox and Mr. Flood, with the pillion passenger continuing to discharge the firearm in the direction of the two victims. The suspects then made good their escape on the dark coloured motorcycle, traveling west on Elliot Street, leaving the area.
Mr. Fox was transported to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Mr. Flood was also transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Jason Smith emphasized: “This brazen act of violence was committed not under the cover of darkness, but rather at 2:45 in the afternoon, on a busy street where people were moving about or entering or leaving any of the several businesses in that area. Many of these people were forced to take evasive action to avoid being injured by indiscriminate actions of the gunman or, worse. Sadly, Mr. Fox was not able to do so.”
We are once again appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this cruel act or have any information no matter how insignificant you may think it to be, to please contact Detective Sergeant Jason Smith on 717-0864 or via email, jsmith2@bps.bm. You may also call 295-0011 or Crime Stoppers anonymously, on 800-8477. The information you provide the BPS can assist with enquires and help to solve this murder.
Over $80,000 Cash & Illegal Drugs Seized From Pembroke Residence
Wed, 2022-03-16
More than eighty thousand dollars in cash and illegal drugs seized in joint police raid. The exercise which was carried out on Monday, 14th March 2022, involved, officers from the Tactical Operations Division supported by Community Policing Division.
The officers executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at a Pembroke residence and seized a substantial amount of illicit drugs, with an estimated street value of over $45,000 and $38,000 cash.
One person was arrested in connection with this incident and enquires are ongoing.
Commenting on the seizure, Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell said: “This is another example of BPS commitment to seize illicit drugs and the associated proceeds of the crime at every turn. We will continue to work to bring to justice any person engaged in the sale of illicit drugs.”
Anyone with information that can assist in combatting crime is asked to call 211, 295-0011 or alternatively speak to an officer that you are familiar with.
Governor Rena Lalgie Appoints Darrin Simons Commissioner of Police
Wed, 2022-03-16
Her Excellency the Governor, Ms. Rena Lalgie, has appointed Mr. Darrin Simons as Commissioner of Police of Bermuda.
This appointment was made following an open recruitment process in line with international best practice for selecting Chief Officers. Eight candidates, of whom two were Bermudian, were shortlisted for interview.
Governor Lalgie said “I am confident that Mr. Simons will serve Bermuda well in his role as Commissioner of Police, bringing to the job a breadth of skills and experience and a deep-seated passion for service to the people of Bermuda. I am pleased that the new Commissioner has come from within the ranks of the Bermuda Police Service. Commissioner Simons is committed to further identifying and cultivating talent within the BPS and continuing to raise professional standards.”
Mr. Simons said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner of Police and thankful to my family, friends and colleagues that have supported and encouraged me all these years. Raising trust and confidence in the police, both within the community, as well as the organisation, are critically important to me. Following 28 years of service, I am committed to leading the BPS and working alongside our amazing women and men to provide a service we can all be proud of.”
During his 28 years of service to the Bermuda Police Mr. Simons has worked in a variety of roles, rising to the rank of Superintendent in 2015. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in March 2019 after undertaking the College of Policing’s Strategic Command course in the U.K. Mr. Simons has been Acting Commissioner of Police since October 2021.
Rider Arrested on Suspicion of Impaired Driving After St. George's Collision
Mon, 2022-03-14
A thirty-six-year-old male has been arrested for driving whilst impaired, following a two vehicle collision near the junction of Mullet Bay Road and Wellington Slip Point Road, St. George.
Shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 13th March 2022, police received a number reports of an unresponsive male lying in the roadway near the temporary traffic lights just west of the junction where the collision involving a motorcar and a motorcycle, occurred.
Reports are the motorcar was traveling west along Mullet Bay Road when it was struck by the motorcycle which traveling in the opposite direction.
The thirty-six-year-old male motorcycle rider was attended to at the scene by EMTs for suspected head injuries.
He regained consciousness and was transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment to his injuries and was subsequently arrested for driving whilst impaired.
There were extensive traffic delays while the scene was forensically processed and we would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during the exercise.
Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.
Ongoing Witness Appeal: Shark Hole, Hamilton Parish Fatal Car Crash
Sat, 2022-03-12
The Bermuda Police Service would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young child, who tragically lost his life in a collision, which took place around 9:20 a.m. in the area of Shark Hole, Hamilton Parish, yesterday Friday, 11th March, 2022.
Additionally we would like to thank the brave members of the community, the Works & Engineering crew and first responders who selflessly entered the waters to rescue the occupants of the submerged vehicle.
We continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or arrived shortly after and may have recorded the rescue efforts, to contact Constable Dennis Joell on 717-2221 or djoell@bps.bm as soon as possible.
The Bermuda Police Service also recognizes the severity of such a traumatic event, may impact the mental health of those who assisted at and witnessed this collision. We urge you to reach out and speak to someone who can help you to cope with any post-traumatic stress that may arise.
