Bermuda Police Service Official Statistics Report for 2023

Thursday, May 29,2025

Today, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has published its Official Statistics Report for 2023, showing that crime in Bermuda remains near historic lows, with last year recording the second-lowest crime total since comparable records began in 2000. Commissioner Darrin Simons commented: "The 2023 statistics show that Bermuda remains one of the safest places to live, work, and visit. With 3,065 total offences, we've maintained the downward trend we've seen over recent years, though we did see a modest 5.6% increase from 2022." The BPS attributes much of its success to strong community partnerships and the dedication of its officers and staff. "Making Bermuda safer isn't something we can do alone," Commissioner Simons emphasised. "These results reflect the cooperation between police and the community, along with the tireless work of our officers. Moving forward, we'll continue to strengthen these partnerships while focusing on areas that need improvement." The report highlights several positive trends, including significant reductions in motor vehicle thefts (-75 offences) and continued low levels of firearms incidents compared to historical figures. Property crime, while showing a slight increase from 2022, remains at levels far below those seen in previous decades. "We know there are still challenges," Commissioner Simons added. "We've seen increases in residential burglaries and fraud offences that we're actively addressing. And any life lost on our roads or to violence is one too many." For the first time, the BPS has included Professional Standards Department data in its annual report, providing unprecedented transparency about complaints against police officers and their resolutions. "Publishing our Professional Standards statistics marks a significant step forward in our commitment to accountability," said Commissioner Simons. "The public deserves to know how we handle complaints and maintain professional standards. I'm pleased to report that public complaints decreased slightly in 2023, with none requiring formal misconduct proceedings." The BPS acknowledges the 2023 statistics are being published later than desired. The report shows it took 355 working days from year-end to publication—a significant improvement from previous years but still not meeting our goals for timely reporting. "We've made substantial progress in reducing our reporting timeline—from 707 working days in 2016 to 355 days for this report—but we're not satisfied yet," Commissioner Simons stated. "We've implemented new data management systems and reporting processes that will further reduce these delays. Our goal is to provide these vital statistics to the public much more promptly." The full Official Statistics Report for 2023 is available on the Bermuda Police Service website at www.bermudapolice.bm.

Warrant Executed in the Court Street, Pembroke Area

Wednesday, May 28,2025

Shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, police executed a warrant at a location on Court Street, Pembroke, as part of an ongoing investigation. Court Street was blocked off between Angle Street and Ewing Street for approximately two and a half hours. We wish to thank the public for their cooperation and understanding during this exercise. With the investigation at a very sensitive stage, it would not be prudent to provide any further information at this time.

Firearms Seizure

Tuesday, May 27,2025

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, officers from the Bermuda Police Service’s Police Support and Gang Units executed a search warrant at a residence on Happy Valley Road, Pembroke. During the search, discovered and seized a loaded firearm and inquiries in relation to this matter are ongoing. This is a significant seizure and underscores our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our community by targeting illegal firearms and disrupting gang-related activities. Such efforts are vital in protecting our citizens and maintaining public safety. Acting Detective Superintendent, Jason Smith, pointed out, “This successful operation was the result of the continued support and cooperation of members of the community. This is the second time in recent days that the community working with the BPS, has prevented a potentially fatal or life threatening incident from occurring. Thank you. Let’s continue to build and strengthen this partnership, which is vital in ensuring the safety of our island home.” As a reminder, if you have information to firearms or criminal activity, we urge you to call the main police number 295-0011 or, provide the information via the community reporting portal at, https://portal.police.bm. Alternatively, you may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or speak with a police officer you know.

Teen Male Rider Seriously Hurt in Collision With Car Saturday Night

Monday, May 26,2025

Around 8:40pm Saturday, 24th May 2025, a reported two vehicle collision occurred on Marsh Folly Road in Pembroke, near the junction with Black Watch Pass. Police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, as well as ambulance personnel, responded. It appears that a 55-year-old Paget man driving a car along Marsh Folly Road attempted to turn on to Black Watch Pass, when one of the car’s mirrors was struck from behind by a 17-year-old local male riding a 50cc scooter. The injured young man was treated by emergency medical technicians at the scene, before being transported via ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further medical care. At last check, the teen remained in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Traffic diversions were in place for approximately an hour Saturday night, while the scene was processed. Inquiries continue regarding this collision and any witnesses that have not already come forward are encouraged to call Constable David McHugh on 211, or e-mail dmchugh@bps.bm.

Bermuda Day Holiday Weekend Policing Activity Recap

Monday, May 26,2025

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) implemented a robust policing plan over the Bermuda Day holiday weekend, with proactive patrols conducted between 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 22nd May and 5:00 a.m. on Monday, 26th May 2025. During this period, a total of 34 individuals were arrested for a range of offences. These included: 14 arrests for outstanding warrants, 5 arrests on suspicion of impaired driving, and 2 arrests for possession of bladed articles, among other offences. In addition, 21 road traffic collisions were reported, 10 of which resulted in injuries. At last check, one injured individual was receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. As part of our road safety efforts, officers also issued: 11 traffic tickets, and 5 official warnings to motorists throughout the weekend. Detective Superintendent Dennis Astwood stated: “The BPS continues to take a proactive approach to addressing violent crime and antisocial behaviour. Our efforts are guided by intelligence-led policing, including the use of legislative powers such as stop and search under section 315F of the Criminal Code, and valuable information provided by members of the public.” He added: “On behalf of the Bermuda Police Service, I wish to commend the vast majority of the community who celebrated Bermuda Day in a safe and responsible manner. Your cooperation played a key role in supporting our policing operations and helping to ensure a safer environment for all.” The Bermuda Police Service remains committed to working in partnership with the community to maintain public safety and uphold the law.