LATEST NEWS, inside the BPS

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.

Christmas Policing

Fri, 2023-12-22

Commissioner of Police, Darrin Simons - "As the Christmas holiday approaches, we at the Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), would like to extend warmest greetings to each and every one of you.

During this festive period, which extends into the new year, we want to ensure that you not only have a wonderful time but also prioritize safety.

Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or any form of intoxication, poses a significant threat to public safety. Please make responsible choices. Designate a sober driver or, take advantage of public transportation options. Remember, your choices impact not only your own life, but also those of innocent people around you.

While the holiday period can be a busy time, it is crucial to respect and adhere to speed limits. Speeding not only endangers your life but also increases the risk of accidents causing serious injuries or fatalities. Let us all make a commitment to drive responsibly, maintain appropriate speeds, and respect the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles.

To ensure your safety and maintain order during the holiday season, we will be continuing the current heightened police presence across the island.

Our officers will be vigilant in enforcing traffic regulations, identifying impaired drivers, and promptly addressing any anti-social behaviour. We will be conducting roadside sobriety checkpoints at various locations in all Parishes starting Friday, December 29th, 2023. through to Tuesday January 2nd, 2024, in order to deter and detect impaired driving.

These measures are in place for your protection and the well-being of our entire community. The BPS is committed to providing a safe environment for all residents and visitors.

In conclusion, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyous and peaceful Christmas. May this season be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Let's work together to make this holiday truly special and safe."

Drugs Seizure and Arrest

Tue, 2023-12-19

Around 10:45 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, police officers were conducting vehicle checks along Kindley Field Road in St. George’s, when they stopped a motorcar traveling east along the said road.

Checks showed the vehicle to be unlicensed and uninsured. The driver, a 30-year-old-male, was also found to be operating the vehicle while having an expired driver’s license.

Officers proceeded to search the vehicle and recovered a quantity of suspected cannabis resin, ecstasy tablets, crack-cocaine along with drug paraphernalia.

The suspect was arrested for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, as well as for possession of drug paraphernalia.

A search of the subject's residence was conducted and other items liable for seizure recovered.

A court appearance in relation to this matter is expected in due course.

Traffic Advisory: Heightened BPS Road Presence During the Holiday Season

Mon, 2023-12-18

Close to ten thousand dollars in traffic fines issued in Magistrates' Court today.

A number of those fined were for driving unlicensed and uninsured vehicles.

Troublingly, impaired driving also featured among the offences for which fines were issued.

In fact, over this past weekend there were three people arrested and held in custody for driving whilst impaired.

Acting Superintendent, Robert Cardwell of the police Support Unit stated: “We cannot sufficiently stress how dangerous it is for someone to operate a vehicle whilst impaired.”

“By doing so you place not yourself, as well as members of the public, at increased risk of serious injury or, loss of life”

“Not the kind of situation you want to be faced with at any time, but particularly during Christmas. Just don’t do it.”

As a reminder, there will be a heightened police presence on the roads over the coming days and weeks and while we urge compliance, officers will not be treating lightly with anyone choosing to disobey the road traffic laws.

In addition, Roadside Sobriety Checks will be in effect commencing Friday, December 29, 2023, through Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Again, we urge you:

Do not drive if you have been drinking or using mind altering substances, legal or otherwise.

Obey all road traffic signs.

Drive within the speed limit.

Do not use handheld devices while operating a vehicle.

We’re sure you’d much prefer to spend your hard earned money on things you need or, to make loved ones happy for Christmas, than having to pay traffic fines.

So, let’s all work together to make this a safe and enjoyable Christmas season for all.

Witness Appeal: Ord Road, Warwick Collision

Mon, 2023-12-18

Around 12:02 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, police received reports of a motorcycle rider found breathing but unresponsive on Ord Road near the junction with Banana Lane, Warwick.

Police and other first responders attended the scene and found the victim, a 31-year-old male going in and out of consciousness.

It is understood he was traveling in a westerly direction along Ord Road, when he collided with a private motorcar.

He was attended to at the scene by EMTs and subsequently transported to King Edward Hospital for treatment for his injuries, which were deemed to be serious.

At last check he was conscious, alert and speaking. He has since been transported overseas for further medical treatment.

An investigation into this matter is now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Dinnell Bean on 515-2413 or, via e-mail at dbean@bps.bm.

You may also speak with a police officer you know or, use the Community Reporting Portal at https://portal.police.bm.

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