LATEST NEWS, inside the BPS

Reported Serious Three Vehicle Collision in Southampton

Sat, 2024-01-06

Around 5:50 PM on Saturday, 6 January 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious three vehicle road traffic collision on Middle Road  near the Port Royal Esso service station.

Initial reports suggest that a motorcyclist, traveling in an easterly direction, collided with a motor car that was negotiating a right hand turn into the service station, and was thrown into the path of another motor car.

The motorcycle rider was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of suspected head injuries, the extent of which is not known at this time. There were no other reported injuries.

Traffic is being diverted, using a single lane system. Delays are to be expected while the scene is being forensically processed.

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call Constable Dinell Bean on 211 or email dbean@bps.bm.

Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant for Online & Phone Scams

Fri, 2024-01-05

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) continues to urge residents to remain vigilant regarding online scams and phone scams. While such scams are always evolving, most use similar tactics involving social engineering, which can be defined as all techniques aimed at persuading someone to reveal specific information or perform a specific action, for illegitimate purposes.

Air of Legitimacy, Enticement & Pressure to Act Quickly

Be extremely wary of any unexpected correspondence sent from official-looking e-mail addresses, offering cash or other prizes. Similarly, it is wise to be suspicious of any e-mail claiming that an online account will be locked/deleted, or has been compromised.

Fraudsters often call/text suddenly using similar methods, portraying themselves as an official representative of a local bank or an authorised agent of a well-known global company. In addition, an unreasonably short deadline is almost always imposed by the con artists, making it more likely that unsuspecting individuals will provide their personal information, i.e. names, birth date, banking details and login credentials.

Red Flags

Emphasis on the need to take action urgently.

Unexpected e-mails from unknown/random senders that require clicking on any links or attachments.

Offers via call, text, e-mail or social media that seem too good to be true – especially those that require submitting personal information to claim.

Practical Tips

Don’t install any software recommended by an unknown caller or e-mail sender.

Hang up on callers who ask for personal information and either call the business to confirm if there is a problem, or contact the police for advice.

If possible, use two-step verification for important online accounts.

Check your bank account(s) regularly for any unusual activity.

Don’t click on links and attachments in e-mails from unknown senders.

Report any suspected fraud to the relevant bank and the police immediately.

Family members and friends are urged to update their senior citizen relatives with this information, as seniors are often targeted by swindlers.

To make a police report regarding suspected fraud, please call 211 or visit the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm/.

Retirement of Constable Michael Redfern & Constable Timothy Evelyn

Fri, 2024-01-05

After almost 75 years combined service, police Constables Michael Redfern and Timothy Evelyn, have retired from the Bermuda Police Service (BPS).

Both officers were recently recognised by Commissioner Darrin Simons for their hard work, dedication to duty, leadership and mentoring as well as their commitment and dedication to service.

Michael "Mick" Redfern will be well remembered for his time as a senior investigative officer who worked on and helped solve a number of high profile cases along with helping to train up so many young officers helping them to hone their skills as detectives.

Timothy "Timmy" Evelyn is also well known among his colleagues for his high standards of policing and his efforts to ensure they too meet and do not deviate from those standards.

Having made his mark in several areas of policing but most notably as a member of the Roads Policing Unit, Mr. Evelyn's willingness to pass on the knowledge and experience gained after more than thirty years with the BPS has helped ensure the newer members of the BPS are well prepared to meet the mandate of making Bermuda safer.

Constable Michael Redfern & Constable Timothy Evelyn with Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons

 

Operation Vega Statistics (Q4 2023)

Wed, 2024-01-03

Figures recorded as part of Operation Vega in the 4th quarter of 2023, show impaired driving continues to be a troublingly prolific offence. Of note, 2023 witnessed the highest number of impaired driving arrests over a three-year period.

Robert Cardwell, Acting Superintendent, Tactical Support Division stated: “We must move away from a culture where impaired driving is acceptable. It must be heavily frowned upon and be of concern to us all in order that the necessary change in thinking can be achieved.”

“The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) reminds the motoring public that just as it is against the law to drive while under the influence of alcohol, it is also an offence to drive whilst impaired through drug use. Driving while under the influence of drugs, whether illegal or prescribed, means you are driving whilst impaired. The BPS will this year act to significantly address the issue of drug impaired driving.”

Speeding also continues to rank high among traffic offences reported. We are also concerned by the number of people operating vehicles which are uninsured, unlicensed or both and persons operating vehicles while not having a valid driver’s licence.

Mr. Cardwell added: “We continue to encourage motorists to comply with traffic regulations and drive responsibly. Don’t wait until you’re somehow impacted by impaired driving before you take action against it and please, slow down. We urge you to work with us and do your part to make our roads safer for all residents and visitors.”

In this period – 4th Quarter (1/10/23 to 31/12/23) the break-down of traffic offences reported is as follows:

OFFENCE:                                                      October           November        December

Impaired Driving                                          14 (-2)              25 (+11)             31 (+6)

Speeding                                                       111 (-54)          155 (+44)          171 (+16)

Unlicensed Vehicle                                      19 (-5)              47 (+28)             64 (+17)

No third party insurance                              16 (-2)              33 (+17)             54 (+21)

No Driver’s license                                       14  (-9)            31 (+17)              59 (+28)

Manner of driving                                        0 (-3)               10 (+10)              12  (+2)

Disqualified                                                   2 (-0)                9 (+7)                  1 (-8)

Traffic Sign                                                    21 (-25)            80 (+59)             44 (-15)

Seatbelt                                                         7 (+3)               3 (-4)                   2 (-1)

Helmet                                                           0 (-2)               7 (+5)                   12 (+5)

Handheld device                                          0 (-4)               6 (+6)                   1 (-5)

Defective vehicle                                         0 (-0)                3 (+3)                  4 (+1)

Fail to give name/address                         0 (-2)                0 (+0)   1             0 (0)

Fail to Stop                                                   1 (-1)                5 (+4)                  4 (-1)

Fraud Docs                                                   1 (+1)               1 (+0)                   2 (+1)

Making False Statement                            0 (+0)               1 (+1)                  1 (+0)

License Plate offence                                 0(+0)                0 (+0)   0              0 (0)

Tint Offence                                                 0 (+0)               0 (+0)                   0 (0)

Youth License Offence                               3 (+3)               0 (-3)                   1 (+1)

Parking                                                          250                  156                      267 (+111)

MAN                                                              41                     74                        48 (-26)

IMPAIRED DRIVER ARRESTS TOTALS:

2021 - 170

2022 - 229

2023 – 263

Proactive Policing Activity: New Year’s Holiday Weekend Overview

Tue, 2024-01-02

During the New Year’s Day holiday weekend – from 5pm Friday, 29th December 2023 until 5am Tuesday, 2nd January 2024 – the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) carried out proactive policing patrols throughout the island.

In summary, this BPS activity resulted in:

4 males arrested for possessing bladed articles.

6 suspected impaired drivers arrested.

13 people arrested for various other offences.

21 traffic tickets issued.

Bladed Articles Seized & Four Arrests Made

Four local males were arrested for possession of bladed articles in three separate incidents, with court appearances pending. One male was arrested during a traffic initiative in St. George’s, the afternoon of 1st January 2024; another male was arrested in the early morning hours of 1st January 2024 on Front Street, City of Hamilton; while the other two males were arrested the night of 31st December 2023, after being stopped for a traffic infraction by mobile patrol officers in Paget.

Six Arrested on Suspicion of Impaired Driving

Court appearances are also anticipated for six people arrested on suspicion of impaired driving, with 3 failing the alco-analyser test and 3 refusing to take it.

13 Arrested for Various Other Offences

Those arrested include 4 people for outstanding warrants; 2 people for wilful damage; as well as 1 person for assault on police; 1 for common assault; 1 for possession of a controlled drug; 1 for burglary; 1 for stealing a vehicle; 1 for theft; and 1 for prowling.

21 Traffic Tickets & 14 Official Written Warnings Issued to Motorists

BPS patrol officers issued 5 tickets to motorists for not having a driver’s licence; 4 tickets for not having vehicle insurance; 4 tickets for operating an unlicensed vehicle; 4 tickets for speeding; 2 tickets for having illegal licence plates; 1 ticket for driving without due care and 1 ticket for permitting an unlicensed person to drive.

In addition, 14 motorist advice notices or official written warnings, were also issued.

New Year’s Holiday Policing

Thu, 2023-12-28

Acting Superintendent Jerome Laws, Officer in Charge (OIC) Community Policing Division - "The Bermuda Police Service wish to thank the public for their co-operation and assistance in ensuring the Christmas Holiday weekend was free of any major incidents or criminal activity.

As we approach the New Year’s Holiday weekend, we are asking that you continue to work with us to ensure a continued safe and enjoyable festive season.

For our part, we will maintain a high-profile police presence as we provide public reassurance and work to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. We are well prepared to respond to and deal with calls for assistance by members of the public to incidents of crime or disorder.

To that end, there will be increased traffic enforcement with officers adopting a zero-tolerance approach to road traffic offences, particularly those involving impaired driving.

During this period, licensed premises and private venues throughout the island will hold New Year’s Eve theme parties and events. In keeping with tradition, those in attendance may engage in having a few drinks to celebrate.

Please be reminded that Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints will be in place starting tomorrow, Friday, December 29, 2023, through to Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We urge you to make the necessary arrangements in order to ensure that you return home safely, if you plan on consuming alcohol while out celebrating. As we’ve often stated, the life you save could well be your own.

Additionally, driving after using any mind-altering substance, is considered impaired driving. Do not operate any vehicle if you have used any drugs, prescription or otherwise, that may alter your mental state.

The Corporation of St. George will host their annual ‘Dropping of the Onion’ event at King’s Square in the Olde Towne on Sunday, 31st December 2023.

The Bermuda Football Association will host the Shield and Friendship Cup Finals at Wellington Oval, St. George’s Cricket Club on Monday, January 1st, 2024. The Shield Final will kick off at 12:00 noon followed by the Friendship Final at 2:30 p.m.

If you intend on attending any or all of these events, please be aware that there will be a heightened police presence to ensure safe enjoyment for members of the public.

You can expect there will be traffic checkpoints in operation with searches being done under section 315F of the Criminal Code Act 1907. We ask that you co-operate with the officers at these locations and follow their instructions should you be stopped.

Our intention is to maintain order and provide reassurance to the public while they celebrate the coming new year. We would much prefer there is compliance by members of the public rather than our officers having to arrest and charge anyone.

However, when and where required, we will decisively address any acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour.

We wish to take this opportunity to wish all residents of Bermuda a happy, healthy, safe, prosperous 2024 and we look forward to continuing to partner with you as we all work to make Bermuda safer."

Witness Appeal: Four Vehicle Collision in Southampton

Sat, 2023-12-23

Around 3:37 p.m. on Friday December 22, police officers were on mobile patrol when they came upon a serious four vehicle road traffic collision involving two motorcars and two motorcycles on Middle Road near the junction with Homestead Lane, Southampton.

It is understood an 18-year-old male motorcyclist was traveling west along Middle Road, when he attempted to overtake a line of traffic.

He collided with another motorcycle which was also travelling west and attempting to overtake the same line of traffic.

The collision resulted in the 18-year-old male striking one motorcar  and being thrown into the path of another, traveling in the opposite direction.

He sustained non-life-threatening injuries including lacerations to the face and a broken arm.

EMTs attended the location and transported the injured male to King Edward Hospital for further treatment for his injuries.

At last check he remained under observation at hospital.

There were no other reported injuries.

The collision resulted in delays while the scene was forensically, processed and officers directed traffic along the railway trail.

We wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while officers worked to have the roadway cleared.

An investigation into this matter has begun and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Adam Mattatall, by calling the main police number, 295-0011 or, via e-mail at, amattatall@bps.bm.

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