The Roads Policing Unit will be out over the upcoming holiday weekend to monitor traffic in various areas around the island. We are encouraging all drivers and riders to act responsibly by not drinking and driving. If you are going to drink, please use a designated driver, public transportation (if possible) or a taxi to get to your destination safely.

During the week of Monday, March 10th – Monday, March 17th 2008 there were:

• Reported Injury Collisions = 20
• Reported Damage Only Collisions = 46
• Arrests on Suspicion of Impaired Driving = 6
• Vehicles Reported Taken Without Their Owners Consent = 7

Parishes where vehicles were reported taken from: St. Georges = 2, Hamilton parish = 1, Pembroke = 1, Paget = 1, Southampton = 1 and Sandy s parish = 1.

The majority of vehicles removed were auxiliary cycles & motorcycles, with one car removed during the week. Of the 7 vehicles reported stolen, 2 were subsequently recovered.

Any members of the public who may have specific classes or issues they would like the Bermuda Police Service to deal with are encouraged to please e-mail us at communityclasses@bps.bm or to call 299-4249 or 299-4321.

• Common Targeted Goods: Cash, jewelry and electronic items (Flat Screen TVs, laptop computers etc).
• Common Methods of Entry: Insecure window or door; forced or pried window or door.

The majority of offences committed in Bermuda are crimes of opportunity. The key to preventing such crimes lies in reducing those opportunities. Take away those opportunities and you automatically reduce the risk to yourself, your family and your property.

HOME SECURITY – Every type of door and window found in a Bermuda home can be made secure, but its important to know what type of lock to fit and why. Here are just a few quick tips…

Moving into a new home? Change the locks or have them re-keyed by a locksmith.

• DOORS – Fit double cylinder deadbolt locks where there is glass within arms reach of the lock. Install door viewers or ‘peepholes in your front and rear solid external doors. This will allow you to see who is there before you open the door.
• LOUVERED GLASS DOORS – Such doors can be protected by fitting metal mesh grilles in place of your existing fly screens (replacement grilles incorporate fly screens).
• Your SLIDING GLASS DOORS may be vulnerable to attack, so you should always install a secondary locking device on such doors.
• WINDOWS – Make sure you select and install the correct type of lock on your sash windows. There are essentially FOUR types of locks; wooden sash window locks, clamp locks for the old style PVC windows, PIN locks and PVC sash window locks for the modern style windows. Locks are also available for casement windows. Secure louvered and awning windows by fitting expandable metal grills in the window frames on the interior side.

If home owners/tenants undertake the task of securing their property, the professional ‘thief will find it harder to discover ‘their opportunity at YOUR home.

A message from the Community Safety Unit of the Bermuda Police Service