Tue, 2009-12-15

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, December 7th – Monday, December 14th 2009 there were:

• Reported Injury Collisions = 15
• Reported Damage Only Collisions = 28
• Arrests on Suspicion of Impaired Driving = 7
• Vehicles Reported Taken Without Their Owners’ Consent = 7
• Number of vehicles reported stolen by parish: Pembroke = 1, Paget = 1, Southampton = 3 and Sandys parish = 2.

All of the vehicles removed were either auxiliary cycles or motorcycles. Of the 7 vehicles reported stolen, 1 was subsequently recovered.

Injury RTC/Impaired Driving

Around 2:50am today, Police attended a reported road traffic collision resulting in injury on St. David’s Road in St. George’s, near the Swing Bridge round-a-bout, involving two cars. Details about how the collision occurred are unclear at this time; however, both vehicles were extensively damaged as a result. The drivers of both cars, a 23 year old Hamilton parish man and a 34 year old Warwick man, were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving. The Hamilton parish man sustained facial and internal injuries which are not believed to be life threatening while the Warwick man sustained cuts & abrasions to his head, hand and right leg. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Police Support Unit (PSU) Activity

From Monday 7th December to Sunday 13th December 2009 there were 27 arrests made by the Police Support Unit – mostly for outstanding warrants, drugs and assault offences. High visibility patrols were carried out in The Glebe Road, St. Monica’s Road, Court Street, Parsons Road, Middle Town, Devonshire Recreation Club and Mid-Atlantic Boat Club areas. In addition, 145 stop & searches took place in and around the City of Hamilton and 26 tickets were issued for:

• 11 x No Seatbelt
• 7 x Disobeying a Traffic Sign
• 5 x No Driver’s License
• 2 x Failure to Wear a Seatbelt
• 1 x No Insurance

Bermuda Police Service Change of Command Ceremony

The Bermuda Police Service Change of Command Ceremony will take place at 3pm on Wednesday, December 16th at Police Headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire. All media are encouraged to attend and asked to assemble outside the Police Recreation Club for 2:30pm.

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