Tue, 2023-05-02

The Bermuda Police Service is reminding the public to be wary of advertisements for what turn out to be fake job opportunities circulating on social media. These advertisements are normally placed on Facebook, but have also been received via personal e-mail, WhatsApp, text message and eMoo.

Persons are invited to sign up for employment, usually as a secret shopper, by fake research companies and enticed by the opportunity of earning money for evaluating local shops. In one current iteration of the scam, the alleged company is “Cellmark Investments” and applicants are instructed to make contact by emailing - kingsleykel1234@gmail.com.

In another current version, the employment advertisement is placed on Facebook by someone fraudulently using the name of a local hotelier.

Persons who respond to these advertisements are then sent an application form asking for contact numbers and banking information.

They then receive deposits of varying amounts into their personal bank account, in one case the person received more than $6,000, and are informed that they are allowed to keep a portion usually between $200 and $300 as payment for their mystery shopper services.

The recipient is then instructed to use the remainder of the funds to purchase iTunes and other gift cards, scratch the cards to reveal the numbers, take a picture of the card numbers and send it back to the advertiser, who is never heard from again.

Individuals deceived by this scam are unknowingly being used to launder criminal proceeds.

Please be aware that the money deposited into your account is often stolen or, criminally obtained.

Scammers have been accessing local bank accounts and stealing funds to deposit into accounts of anyone who responds to the secret shopper offer. Within the past 2 days, the Bermuda Police Service has received a number of reports of person either being scammed or being used to facilitate the above mentioned scam.

In another scam, unsuspecting customers received an email purporting to be from Butterfield Bank. The email address used, notifications@bnt.butterfield.com, is not a bona-fide Butterfield address.

After following the instructions given in the email, a check of their respective accounts revealed that large sums of cash were transferred to persons locally.

Once the fraudulent activity is detected, your account will be frozen pending the outcome of investigations and the money deposited by the scammers will be taken from your account to reimburse the person whose money was transferred to it.

The public should be suspicious of any messages received from survey and research companies, particularly “Cellmark Investments”, although, the name of the company may vary.

Other tell-tale signs of this scam are as follows:

•             Recruiters send cash immediately

•             You are asked to buy gift cards with the majority of the money

•             You are told to keep a portion as pay

•             You are asked to scratch the coating off the gift card to show the PIN code

•             You are asked to send pictures of the card’s front and back to the recruiter

Should you be approached to do these things, be aware, it is a scam. We urge that should you receive such an offer, do not respond.

Local banks are already vigilant for this suspicious activity and are likely to freeze the assets of any account found to be involved in the secret shopper scam.

Any incidents of suspected fraud should be reported to the Financial Crime Unit on telephone number 247-1757 or, via the e-mail address Group-FCU@bps.bm. You may also call the Criminal Investigation Unit number 247-1744.

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Sun, 2023-04-30

The investigation into the murder of Chavelle Dillon-Burgess, has now entered its third year.

Chavelle was reported missing by her mother on Thursday, 30th April, 2020, about two weeks before she would have celebrated her 27th birthday. She was reportedly last seen alive on Saturday, 11th April, 2020.

While a suspect has been arrested and charged in court in relation to this matter, investigators remain keen on speaking with anyone who may have any knowledge of Chavelle’s whereabouts between the 11th and 30th of April, 2020.

It does not matter how insignificant you may believe that information to be.

Detective Inspector Jason Smith, who is leading the investigation, reminded: “Chavelle’s son who is now only three and a half years old, will never know what it means to experience a mother’s love while growing up.

Her own mother, with whom she shared an extremely close relationship, continues to mourn her loss. A loss made even more difficult by the fact that she has no idea what happened to her daughter, whose remains are yet to be recovered.

We continue to put our resources behind this investigation and are once again appealing for anyone with information on what may have happened to Chavelle between the time she was last seen and the date she was reported missing to get in contact with us and help ease the sorrow of her loved ones.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864 or, via email – jsmith2@bps.bm.

Alternatively, you may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or, contact a police officer you know and speak with them.

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Thu, 2023-04-27

The Bermuda Police Service is investigating the sudden death of a United States national, following a reported marine incident.

Around 11:22 a.m. on Wednesday, 26th April, 2023, police, emergency services personnel and Bermuda Coast Guard were despatched to a marine incident involving a diver in difficulty in the Western Blue Cut area of the reefs.

Information received indicated the diver, a 48-year-old U.S. national, from on board the cruise ship Celebrity Reflection, was scuba diving (not snorkelling) with a group when she experienced difficulties and was removed from the water, unresponsive.

Upon arrival, EMTs and Coast Guard personnel commenced CPR on the victim who was subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

An investigation into this incident has begun and no further information will be provided at this time.

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Thu, 2023-04-27

Detectives are currently investigating five reported burglaries at separate service stations in various locations.

All reported incidents occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday, 22nd April, Sunday, 23rd April, Tuesday, 25th April, Wednesday, 26th April and Thursday, 27th April 2023.

The affected service stations are:

RUBiS Terceira’s, North Shore Road, Smith’s parish (22nd April)
Crawl Hill Esso Tiger Market, Hamilton parish (23rd April)
Collector’s Hill Esso Tiger Market, Devonshire (25th April)
RUBiS Causeway (Blue Hole Hill), Hamilton parish (26th April)
Warwick Esso Tiger Market, Middle Road, Warwick (27th April)

So far, bulk items like cigarettes appear to be the main items removed and as such, residents are advised to avoid buying bulk cigarettes or other bulk items from individuals.

Detectives are following all lines of inquiry, including the likelihood that these recent service station burglaries may be linked. However, that possibility has not been confirmed at this time.

Business owners, in particular service station proprietors, are reminded to ensure that their alarm systems and security cameras are in working order.

In addition, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious individuals or activities around service stations, commercial premises or homes in their neighbourhoods by calling 211 as soon as possible.

Any persons with information about these recent service station burglaries, no matter how insignificant it may seem, are encouraged to call the Criminal Investigations Department on 247-1744 at the earliest opportunity.

Alternatively, community members can share any information they may have with a police officer they know, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by calling their independent and confidential hotline 800-8477, or visiting www.crimestoppers.bm.

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Mon, 2023-04-24

On Wednesday 19th April 2023, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS), Drugs Unit, assisted by the Financial Crime Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit and the Tactical Division, intercepted two vehicles, in which persons who had just left the Executive Jet Facility at the L.F. Wade International Airport were travelling. A subsequent search of the individuals and their luggage, led to the recovery of a significant quantity of the controlled drug, cannabis.

The drugs seized carry an estimated street value of over $14 million BDA.

The seizure was part of an operation dubbed, “Operation FURUD” and also resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, one of whom is a Senior Customs Officer. As part of the operation, warrants were executed at a number of residences in Pembroke, Hamilton parish, Warwick and Southampton.

Acting Detective Superintendent, Sherwin Joseph, the officer in charge of Crime Division stated: “This seizure, has led to the dismantling of a major drug trafficking ring and left Bermuda a much safer place. The BPS is well aware that efforts such as this, aimed at trafficking drugs into the island, often involve the illegal importation of firearms and other contraband. We will continue to work with our partners at our ports of entry, to strengthen existing security controls, and protect our community.”

No further information will be provided at this time. The BPS Drugs Unit continues investigations into this incident.

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Mon, 2023-04-24

Around 9:25 p.m. on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023, police and emergency medical services staff were dispatched to a serious two vehicle collision on the North Shore Road near the junction with Loyal Hill in Devonshire.

Indications are a motorcar was exiting a driveway onto the west bound lane of North Shore Road, when it was struck by a motorcycle traveling west.

The male motorcycle rider was attended to at the scene by EMTs and was subsequently transported by ambulance to hospital for what were described as life threatening injuries.

At last check he was listed in critical condition in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Neither the female motorcar driver nor the other two occupants of the vehicle were injured.

North Shore Road was closed off between Northridge Crescent and Loyal Hill for approximately three hours while the collision scene was processed.

Traffic headed east was initially diverted onto the Railway Trail at Northridge Crescent, with westbound traffic diverted onto the railway trail at Loyal Hill.

The diversions were then shifted to eastbound traffic being directed over Barker’s Hill at the roundabout with Palmetto Road, Devonshire, to Middle Road and westbound traffic being diverted over Store Hill, Smith’s, onto Middle Road.

An investigation into this collision has now begun and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Jennifer Suter via e-mail, jsuter@bps.bm.

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Sun, 2023-04-23

Around 4:15pm on Sunday 23 April 2023, police and and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a three vehicle collision on Somerset Bridge.

Initial reports suggest that a a female riding a motorcycle was overtaking a line of traffic headed west, when she collided with a taxi and a van traveling in the opposite direction.

Both the rider and her female pillion passenger were reported to be injured. Injuries sustained are not believed to be serious, however both women were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Traffic was disrupted in the Somerset Bridge area for approximately 30 minutes while the scene was processed.

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Sun, 2023-04-23

Nine years have passed since the murder of Erin Lee Richardson.

Mr. Richardson was shot multiple times outside his residence at 16 Riviera Crescent, Southampton, around 10:45pm on Wednesday 23rd April 2014. He attempted to escape his attackers by running inside his residence, but was unable to do so.

Police officers and EMTs attended the scene and administered first-aid to Mr. Richardson who was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Bermuda Police Service is once again appealing to members of the public who may have any information on this matter, to please come forward and provide that information to us. Please help us provide closure to Mr. Richardson’s family and to bring those responsible for his death to justice.

We remain extremely keen to speak with anyone who may have seen two males on a motorcycle leave Riviera Road in Southampton around the time of the shooting. The persons on the bike wore dark clothing, and the motorcycle had a quiet running engine.

Acting Inspector, Dean Martin of the Serious Crime Unit said: “Mr. Richardson had the rest of his life to look forward to and left behind many family members to grieve his loss.

Were it your loved one so senselessly killed, you would want those with information to come forward and assist the police with their investigation. We are asking the same for Mr. Richardson’s loved ones.”

Anyone with knowledge of this incident or, who can provide information that can assist in identifying and bringing the offender or offenders to justice, is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector Martin on phone number, 717-2074 or, via e-mail – dmartin@bps.bm.

You may also share the information by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.

Alternatively, if you’re more comfortable doing so, share the information with a police officer whom you know.

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Thu, 2023-04-20

Detectives are currently conducting inquiries into an attempted burglary at Cycle Care on Serpentine Road, Pembroke.

It appears that around 3:50am Thursday, 20th April 2023 three unknown men approached the premises, with one of the men using a blunt object to strike a store window several times, damaging it.

Despite the damage caused to the store window, no entry was gained, nothing was stolen and the three suspects fled the area.

The noise of the Cycle Care store window being struck was initially described as gunshots by the caller that made the report.

However, on police arrival a few minutes later, an examination of the scene confirmed that there was no evidence to substantiate the use of a firearm in this incident.

The suspects are described as three men wearing dark coloured helmets with visors and dark coloured clothing.

Detectives have already received some relevant information and will review any available CCTV footage, but are still interested in speaking with anyone that may have seen men on motorcycles in the area of Canal Road, just before or after 3:50am Thursday.

Any additional persons with information that can assist, no matter how insignificant it may seem, are encouraged to call the Criminal Investigations Department on 247-1744 at the earliest opportunity.

Alternatively, members of the public can share any information they may have with a police officer they know, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential hotline 800-8477, or visiting www.crimestoppers.bm.

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Tue, 2023-04-18

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sean Field-Lament – “The Bermuda Police Service notes the historic sentence handed down to Mr. Locksley Cummings in the Supreme Court.

The circumstances which led to these convictions were despicable and heinous. They involved the betrayal by a person of trust to young vulnerable victims. The 35 year sentence sends an unequivocal message that offences of this nature have no place in our society and will have significant consequences.

Hopefully it will serve as a strong deterrent.

Most importantly, I hope it brings some form of closure and comfort to the victims and family involved in this tragedy and that their healing process can continue, confident in the fact that they will not now have to encounter this individual.

I wish to publicly acknowledge their courage in coming forward to bring this situation to the attention of the police.

These cases are extremely emotive and require the highest professional standards to investigate and ultimately prosecute. I recognise the tremendous work done by the detectives of the Vulnerable Persons Unit and the Department of Public Prosecutions team in bringing this perpetrator to justice.

Their hard work and dedication demonstrates our steadfast resolve to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

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