Operation Azkaban

Thu, 2023-06-08

On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) commenced an operation, dubbed operation “AZKABAN.”

The BPS Crime Division, supported by the Tactical and Community Policing Divisions, commenced this operation in response to the spate of smash and grab burglaries committed over the past couple of months.

On Tuesday, May 30th, the team arrested a 46-year-old man, for a number of burglaries which occurred predominantly at service stations. A day later, another man, aged 36, was also arrested in connection with these matters.

Several warrants were executed at residences in Smiths and Hamilton Parishes, where a number of items connected to the burglaries were discovered and seized. A stolen motorcycle was also recovered.

The 46-year-old suspect has been charged before the courts and, pleaded guilty to a number of these burglaries. The 36-year-old has been released on police bail.

On Tuesday 6th June, 2023, the team again executed several search warrants in the Pembroke, Devonshire and Smiths Parishes, where several items believed to be stolen goods were seized. Two stolen motorcycles were also recovered.

Four persons between the ages of 15 and 19, who police suspect were involved in the smash and grab burglaries in the City of Hamilton and Sandys Parish, were arrested.

A fifth individual was arrested for suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, after police discovered a quantity of controlled drugs during a search of his property.  A large quantity of cash believed to be the proceeds of criminality, was also seized.

Detective Superintendent (Ag) Sherwin Joseph, who is currently in charge of the Crime Division stated: “We believe that we have successfully disrupted and dismantled two distinct groups of individuals that were responsible for the spate of commercial breaks in the City of Hamilton and environs.”

“A number of items suspected to be stolen goods have been recovered, and we are now working with local businesses and members of our community to assist with identifying these items”.

No further information will be provided at this time.

The BPS Criminal Investigation Unit continues investigations into these matters.