New Year's Events
Mon, 2024-12-30
Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, Officer in Charge of the Crime 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 are in place having commenced on 24 December 2024, through to Thursday 2nd January 2025. We urge you to make the necessary arrangements 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 Tuesday 31st December 2024.
The Bermuda Football Association will host the Shield and Friendship Cup Finals at Somerset Cricket Club on Wednesday 1st January 2025. The Shield Final will kick off at 12:00 noon followed by the Friendship Final at 2:00 p.m.
If you intend on attending any or all of these planned 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 where officers will be exercising their powers of search under various sections of law, should there be grounds to do so. We ask that you co-operate with the officers at these particular locations and follow their instructions should you be stopped.
Our intention is to maintain order and provide reassurance to the public while as you celebrate the coming New Year. We would much prefer there is compliance by members of the public rather than our officers having to exercise their powers of arrest and and/or charge anyone with criminal offences.
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 2025 and we look forward to continuing to partner with you as we all work to make Bermuda safer."
