Around 7:15pm on Monday, June 27, 2005 a female visitor to Bermuda was walking west along Richmond Road in Pembroke near the junction with Gorham Road when she was accosted by a man on a motorcycle who attempted to grab her handbag. However, the victim managed to hold on to the handbag; but during the struggle she fell to the ground and was dragged a short distance, before passing motorists intervened and the culprit made good his escape empty handed. As a result the victim sustained minor injuries (bruising to her right arm and a grazed knee, as well as pain to her head and neck). The suspect was riding a dark coloured motorcycle and wearing a dark coloured helmet fitted with a visor. During the brief encounter it is believed that several people may have come to the victim’s aid, which caused the culprit to ride off. Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact DC Allan Looby at the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.

Advisory: Hurricane Season

Once again, the hurricane season is upon us. Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30 each year. The Bermuda Police Service would like the public to keep the following things in mind this hurricane season:

• The best preparation is information - The Emergency Broadcast station is at 100.1 megahertz on the FM band (100.1 FM) and will commence operation 6 to 12 hours before the anticipated arrival of a hurricane, with up-to-date information provided directly to the commercial radio news stations. In the event that the commercial radio news stations are unable to transmit, the Emergency Broadcast station itself will begin direct transmission to the local area.
• Check your emergency supplies - It is recommended that all residents purchase the following items in advance, so that they are readily available if necessary: a hammer & nails, a good length of rope, a pair of pliers, some plastic sheeting or tarpaulin, masking tape, batteries, a bucket, flashlights, candles & matches, and a non-electric stove. Also it is important to have a portable FM radio with spare batteries.
• Stock up on suitable food items prior to the storm - such as dried or tinned goods. Fill your vehicle with gas. Decide which room will be your strong room. If you own a boat, take the proper steps to secure it. Check on your neighbours before & after the storm, especially the elderly or infirmed.
• For those residents living in low-lying areas close to the ocean, listen carefully for any instructions regarding evacuation - Make prior arrangements to move to another location on higher ground in case evacuation becomes necessary. When moving, take into consideration the fact that some roads may become impassable due to storm surge before the hurricane hits.
• When a hurricane is imminent, fill containers with fresh water - even your bathtub. Bring animals inside or let them roam freely, so that they can find their own shelter. Park your car in a safe place.

Counterfeit Currency

The Bermuda Police Service has recently received more forged BDA $100 notes with a new serial number - D/I 118858. Therefore, we are renewing our appeal to the public to be vigilant when accepting cash from individuals. Always look for authenticating marks like the tuna fish watermark, and feel the texture of the money to see if it is a photocopy. We are also reminding all businesses, especially liquor licensed premises, to be on the lookout for counterfeit Bermuda $50 notes bearing the serial number D/I-889821 and counterfeit Bermuda $100 notes bearing the serial number C/I-438445 or D/I 118858. For more information on how to tell a genuine Bermuda or U.S. note from a counterfeit one, click here.

Lottery Scam

The Bermuda Police Service Fraud Unit has recently received several reports in relation to a ‘Belgian Euro Millions Lottery’. It appears that some Bermudians may have already fallen victim to this scam. Potential victims are informed (via letter or email) that they have won the lottery, but in order to claim their prize they must first forward 1,000 Euros and then fly overseas (where they will then be encouraged to part with more of their money). It appears that many victims do not seem overly surprised that they have won the lottery despite having not entered it in the first place. We are advising members of the public not to send any money if they receive a letter or e-mail claiming to be from the ‘Belgian Euro Millions Lottery’ or any other lottery which has not been entered by the recipient. Fraud advice - remember: "If it sounds too good to be true, then it is!"