Tue, 2009-12-08

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 30th – Monday, December 7th 2009 there were:

• Reported Injury Collisions = 11
• Reported Damage Only Collisions = 32
• Arrests on Suspicion of Impaired Driving = 7
• Vehicles Reported Taken Without Their Owners’ Consent = 13
• Number of vehicles reported stolen by parish: Hamilton parish = 2, Smith’s parish = 1, Devonshire = 1, Pembroke = 5, Paget = 1, Warwick = 1 and Southampton = 2.

All of the vehicles removed were either auxiliary cycles or motorcycles. Of the 13 vehicles reported stolen, 3 were subsequently recovered.

Burglary

Around 5:45pm on Monday, Police received a report of a burglary at a Vesey Street, Devonshire residence. The complainant stated that sometime between 8:40am and 5:30pm that day, an unknown culprit gained entry into her home while it was unoccupied. The culprit stole a navy blue Acer laptop computer, a black Kodak digital camera and a black gym bag. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Around 5:40pm on Monday, Police received a report of a burglary at a Morgan Road, Warwick residence. The complainants stated that sometime between 10:30am and 4:30pm that day, an unknown culprit gained entry into their home while it was unoccupied. The culprit stole a black Honda Biz motorcycle license #U674, a black full face helmet, two Toshiba laptop computers, a gold ring and a quantity of loose change. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Around 5:10pm on Monday, Police received a report of a burglary at a Jennings Road, Smith’s parish residence. The complainant stated that sometime between 8:20am and 5:10pm that day, an unknown culprit gained entry into her home while it was unoccupied. The culprit stole a quantity of electronic equipment, cash and jewelry. The suspects are described as two young black men (believed to be in their mid to late teens); one was approximately 5’9” tall wearing blue jeans and a white helmet while the other was wearing a black helmet and dark coloured pants. They made good their escape on a silver scooter. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Around 10am on Monday, Police received a report of a burglary at a Shawn Acres Lane, Southampton residence. The complainant stated that sometime between 3pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday, an unknown culprit or culprits removed a cardboard box containing a brand new trampoline from her shed. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Advisory

The Bermuda Police Service is continuing to advise the public to remain vigilant for suspicious individuals or activity in their neighbourhoods, particularly during the daytime, as some recent reported burglaries have occurred during the daylight hours. In addition, all residents should ensure that their homes are secure before leaving them unattended, even for short periods of time. Anyone with any information about these recent burglaries or any other suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Police main number, 295-0011.

Christmas Crime Prevention Advice

• 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