Tue, 2024-10-15

With October designated “Cyber Security Awareness Month”, the Bermuda Police Service is once more reminding the public to be on the lookout and take preventive measures to avoid falling victim to cybercrime.

Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of illegal activities conducted through the internet or other computer networks and can be broadly categorised into several types.

These include:

Hacking: Unauthorised access to computer systems, often leading to data breaches that compromise sensitive information such as personal details, financial records and corporate secrets.

Phishing:

Deceptive attempts to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, typically through emails or fake websites, which may result in identity theft and financial loss.

Malware:

Malicious software, including viruses, worms, and ransomware that disrupts normal operations, damages systems or encrypts data for ransom, leading to significant financial costs and operational downtime.

Denial of Service (DOS) attacks:

Overloading a network or website to render it unavailable, causing disruptions for businesses and users alike and potentially leading to substantial revenue losses.

Cyberstalking and Harassment:

Using technology to stalk or harass individuals, which can have severe psychological impacts on victims and contribute to a climate of fear.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith of the Bermuda Police Service Specialist Crime Unit stated:

“The Bermuda Police Service is in the process of establishing a Cyber-Security Unit. This unit is being formed to address the rising number of cyber related crimes reported. The impact of cybercrime is profound, affecting individuals, businesses and governments.

“From a local financial perspective, it has resulted in millions of dollars in losses. Not only from direct theft but also from recovery efforts and increased security measures. It undermines trust in digital systems, stifles innovation and poses significant risk to national security.”

“As our reliance on technology continues to grow, the importance of robust security measures and public awareness becomes paramount in mitigating the risks associated with cyber-crime.”

How to Spot Scams:

Suspicious Emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages

• Look out for unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information.

• Phishing emails often have poor spelling, odd greetings, or strange email addresses/telephone numbers.

Urgency or Threats.

• Scammers may say things like "Your account will be locked" or "Act now to avoid charges!"

• Be cautious of messages that make you feel rushed or anxious.

Unknown Links and Attachments.

• Don’t click on unfamiliar links or open attachments from people you don’t know.

• Always verify the sender before clicking.

Too-good-to-be-true offers.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Unsolicited or random offers for free gifts or large sums of money are often phishing attempts.

Tips to Protect Yourself Online:

• Never Share Your Passwords.

Don’t share your passwords, especially through email or text.

• Look for the Padlock Symbol.

When shopping or banking online, make sure the website starts with "https" and has a padlock icon in the address bar.

• Keep Your Software Up to Date.

 Always update your phone, computer, and apps to protect against security threats.

• Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a code from your phone or email.

• Check if your e-mail has been breached.

Visit  https://haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email address has been compromised in a data breach.

What to do if you suspect you’ve been targeted or have become a victim.

Don’t Panic.

If you believe you’ve shared personal information with a bad actor, immediately change your passwords.

Report It.

• Let your bank or email provider know. They can help protect your accounts.

• Report it to the Bermuda Police Service by sending an email at https://portal.police.bm

• Run a Virus Scan.

• If you clicked a suspicious link, use antivirus software to scan your device.

For more information or assistance, visit us at https://portal.police.bm.

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Mon, 2024-10-14

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 13, 2024, police responded to a reported assault at the Zen Lounge, Somerset Road, Sandys parish. Upon arrival, officers were informed a 35-year-old male had suffered a suspected stab wound to the upper torso.

He was reportedly driven from the scene in a private vehicle, before being transferred to an ambulance which was already in the area responding to an unrelated medical incident.

He was subsequently transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where, at last check, he continued to receive treatment for his injury which is considered life threatening.

Around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, a 52-year-old male attended Hamilton Police Station to report that he was the victim of a wounding.

He told officers that he was near the doorway to Spinning Wheel, when an unknown male described as tall, slim built and dark complexioned, made a comment to him.

The suspect then allegedly pushed the 52-year-old male to the ground.

Another male then pulled a machete from his waistband and assaulted the 52-year-old male, leaving him with a non-life-threatening injury to his right hand.

He was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he was attended to for his injury and discharged.

Both matters are now under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the main police number 295-0011, 211 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.

If you’d prefer to, please share the information with a police officer you know or use the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.

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Fri, 2024-10-11

Local residents who are looking for a career in law enforcement, with a desire to represent our community and assist in ‘Making Bermuda Safer’, are encouraged to apply for the post of Constable with the Bermuda Police Service (BPS).

Applicants must:

be between the ages of 19 and 49 years at the start of the contract;

be in good physical and mental health;

have a Bermuda School Diploma (BSD) or equivalent.

Applications from resident non-Bermudian work permit holders, or their spouses who are permitted to seek employment in Bermuda, may be considered.

Foreign nationals living outside Bermuda are not eligible for this recruitment process.

Successful applicants must also pass the following BPS evaluations to be considered for an upcoming Recruit Foundation Course (RFC).

Police Service Initial Recruitment Test (PIRT).

Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT) – (Level 5.4 – 15 metre beep test).

Security checks.

Suitability testing.

Psychological evaluations.

Medical examinations (which includes BMI assessment).

Assessment Board.

The RFC lasts for six months with on the job training, academic modules, course work, exams, and practical exercises. The academic learning undertaken coincides with serving as a Student Police Officer, which involves active frontline duties for the Bermuda Police Service.

All applications must be submitted online at https://govtcareers.gov.bm/. The deadline for applications is 7pm Friday, 25th October 2024.

No hard copy applications will be accepted. Any queries should be sent via e-mail to recruiting@bps.bm.

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Tue, 2024-10-08

Shortly after 3:00 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024, Police and Emergency Medical Services personnel (EMS) were dispatched to a report of persons in difficulty in the water at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Both persons who are males and visiting the island, were removed from the water and placed on the beach. EMS personnel commenced life saving measures and both individuals were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Sadly one of the men a 48-year-old from the United States, was pronounced dead a short time after.

The second male was attended to and discharged.

A Police Family Liaison Officer is now assisting the relatives of the deceased during this difficult time.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact PC Jennifer Suter on 295-0011 or, via email, jsuter@bps.bm. Alternatively, you may call 211 or use the community reporting portal https//:portal.police.bm.

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Tue, 2024-10-08

Around 1:25 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Police received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision (RTC) on Middle Road, near the junction with Verdmont Road, Smiths.

Upon Police arrival the vehicle was found abandoned, overturned and resting on its roof.

There was no indication of anyone having been injured.

Shortly after, around 1:30 a.m. on the same date, police received a report of another single vehicle RTC on Somerset Road, Sandy’s, near Heydon Gardens.

Officers arrived to find the vehicle extensively damaged and abandoned in the middle of the roadway. It appeared to have struck a nearby wall.

The areas surrounding both collision scenes were extensively searched for any injured persons, but no one was found.

Checks were also made at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, but there no reports of anyone having attended seeking treatment for injuries which may have been sustained in a vehicle collision.

Both incidents are now under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the main 295-0011 or, the non-emergency reporting number 211. You may also provide information using the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.

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Tue, 2024-10-08

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) Driver Training Unit currently has four driver training courses in progress.

Three involve the use of police cars and one the use of police motorcycles, on our roads.

At times, the police officers under driving instruction may operate marked police vehicles at high speeds and depending on the training objective, emergency equipment (lights and sirens) will also be utilised.

Members of the public can recognise the BPS car driver training vehicles by the training plate at the front and rear of the police vehicle.

Trainee BPS motorcyclists will be wearing high visibility vests.

As always, road users are reminded to give way and exercise caution when they encounter BPS driver training vehicles, the same way they would for any emergency vehicle.

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Mon, 2024-10-07

Between Sunday, 29th September and Monday, 7th October 2024, four cars were reported stolen. Three of those vehicles were removed from outside the owners’ homes.

All four were later recovered, apparently intact.

In each case, the keys to the car were left inside the vehicle, before they were taken.

These incidents are preventable.

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) once again reminds members of the public to securely lock their vehicles before leaving them unattended anyplace for any period of time – especially overnight – even at home.

Particular care should be taken with newer model cars that have keyless access, to ensure that they are properly locked, before being left unoccupied.

Leaving keys anywhere inside a car, truck, or van – whether in the ignition, dashboard, cup holder, card receptacle (for keyless access cards), or in a bag left within the vehicle – makes it easier for an opportunistic individual to drive away undetected.

As always, residents are encouraged to report stolen vehicles promptly, by calling 211 and providing as much information as possible.

Alternatively, stolen vehicles can be reported through the BPS online community reporting portal, at https://portal.police.bm/.

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Mon, 2024-10-07

Around 1:25 pm on Monday, October 7, 2024, police and other first responders attended a serious single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle at the junction of Middle Road and Ten Pin Crescent, Warwick.

Upon arrival, a 30 year old male motorcycle rider was found lying on the roadway unresponsive, but breathing.

He was attended to at the scene by EMTs before being transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further treatment of his injuries, the extent of which remains unknown at this time.

It would appear that the male was traveling east on Middle Road when he lost control of the bike and struck a traffic light pole.

The roadway was closed to vehicular traffic while the scene was forensically processed, with eastbound traffic diverted along Ten Pin Crescent while westbound traffic was diverted along Khyber Pass.

An investigation into this matter is now underway and anyone with information is asked to call the main police number 295-011 or 211.

Update: The roads are reopened.

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