Tue, 2009-08-18

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, August 10th - Monday August 17th 2009 there were:

• Reported Injury Collisions = 23
• Reported Damage Only Collisions = 32
• Arrests on Suspicion of Impaired Driving = 9
• Vehicles Reported Taken Without Their Owners’ Consent = 21
• Number of vehicles reported stolen by parish: St. George’s = 5, Hamilton parish = 1, Smith’s parish = 1, Devonshire = 1, Pembroke = 7, Warwick = 2, Southampton = 3 and Sandys parish = 1.

All of the vehicles removed were either auxiliary cycles or motorcycles. Of the 21 vehicles reported stolen, 6 were subsequently recovered.

Attempted Burglary

At 11:05pm on Monday, Police received a report of an attempted burglary at a Salt Kettle Lane, Paget residence. The complainants, a 53 year old Paget man and a 46 year old Paget woman, stated that they were sitting on their front porch when two unknown men entered their yard and approached them, demanding money. One of the men brandished what is believed to be a firearm. The couple fled into their home. It appears that the culprits then attempted to gain entry into the home but were unsuccessful. They then made good their escape empty handed. The complainants were not injured. The male suspects are described as approximately 5’6” tall and over 6’ tall respectively, both wearing dark coloured clothing and hooded tops. Inquiries into this incident are underway. Police are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or anyone with any information to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

Marine Advisory

Given the weather forecasters predicted track of Hurricane Bill, the Marine Unit strongly advises all boat owners to make early preparations in securing their vessels prior to the effects of the storm. Where possible vessels should be taken out of the water and secured on land. Boat owners who decide to leave their vessel in the water during the storm should ensure their moorings, chains and bridles are in good condition. Batteries and bilge pumps should be in good working order. Bimini tops, antennas and other equipment should be removed or tied down to prevent damage during the high winds. Punts and kayaks should be tied down or otherwise secured to prevent them from being washed or blown away. Under no circumstances should boat owners attempt to secure their vessels on a mooring during the storm, placing themselves and others at risk.

Property owners near the water should take similar precautions in securing all property on their docks and waterfront. Any items able to be blown or washed away should be properly secured in advance of the storm.

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