Tue, 2009-12-01

The Bermuda Police Service continues to advise the motoring public to slow down and to drive as well as ride responsibly on the island’s roads. Additionally, we urge those traveling in cars to use their seatbelts at all times and make sure any children traveling in the vehicle are appropriately restrained. Those traveling on motorcycles should always fasten their helmets and avoid making a third lane.

During the week of Monday, November 23rd – Monday, November 30th 2009 there were:

• Reported Injury Collisions = 12
• Reported Damage Only Collisions = 38
• Arrests on Suspicion of Impaired Driving = 4
• Vehicles Reported Taken Without Their Owners’ Consent = 20
• Number of vehicles reported stolen by parish: St. George’s = 2, Hamilton parish = 1, Devonshire = 1, Pembroke = 2, Paget = 2, Warwick = 3, Southampton = 6 and Sandys parish = 3.

Most of the vehicles removed were either auxiliary cycles or motorcycles, with 1 pedal cycle also reported stolen during the period. Of the 20 vehicles reported stolen, 6 were subsequently recovered.

Injury RTC/Disturbance

At 9:20am today, Police received a report of a road traffic collision resulting in injury on Middle Road in Warwick near the junction with Morgan Road (in the vicinity of Warwick Academy). Details about the incident are unclear; however it appears that a car and a motorcycle collided. Two men were on the motorcycle at the time and it appears that the car may have struck the motorcycle more than once. The two men on the motorcycle fled the area on foot; at this time it is unclear what their injuries are, if any. Inquiries into this incident are underway. Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or anyone with any information to contact the main Police number, 295-0011.

Disturbance

Around 5:10pm on Monday, Police received a report of a disturbance on St. Mary’s Road in Warwick, in the vicinity of Purvis Primary School. Officers arrived at the scene a short time later and observed a bus stationary outside the school with passengers standing around outside. It appears that a male passenger on the bus became unwell and was assaulted by another male when the bus stopped in the area. The victim fled from his assailant on foot and is unknown at this time. The suspect, a 29 year old Sandys parish man, was arrested at the scene. None of the other passengers were willing to provide any information to Police regarding the assault. Inquiries into this incident are underway. Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or anyone with any information to contact the Somerset Police Station on 234-1010.

Christmas Crime Prevention Advisory

• At Home - Always lock your doors and windows when leaving your house, even for a few minutes. If you leave home for an extended period of time, ask a neighbour or family member to watch the house and collect any deliveries. Displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through your windows or doors.

• Strangers at your door - Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers or persons soliciting donations for charitable causes. Always ask for identification and ask how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate. Only donate to recognised charitable organisations.

• Driving - Keep doors locked and windows closed when you are away from the car. Do not leave purchases in the seat of the car, but lock them in the trunk. When approaching and leaving your vehicle, always be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach the car alone if there are suspicious people standing by.

• Shopping - Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and where possible pay for purchases by cheque, credit or debit card. If you must use an ATM, choose one that is well illuminated. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Shield the keypad when you enter your PIN number to prevent anyone viewing your transaction and obtaining your number. Retain your receipt, and notify the card issuer immediately if the card is lost or stolen.

• Detailed Property Inventory - Update your property inventory with details, value and serial numbers of new items, and photograph each item. Supply copies to your insurance company and keep another copy in a safe place, not on the premises. UMARK electronic equipment and supply details of serial numbers and your personal UMARK to the Crime Prevention Office.

• After Christmas - This is when thieves usually go on a shopping spree. Avoid leaving boxes outside for trash pick up as this tells the thief ‘what you got.’ They know if you got a computer, DVD or new TV. Dispose of the boxes carefully by concealing them in trash bags.

Operation UMARK literature and stickers can be obtained from any Police Station.

• More Press Releases Here