Bladed Article Incidents
Tue, 2023-04-04
The Bermuda Police Service, (BPS), continues to be called to attend incidents involving the use of bladed articles.
Between April 1st 2022 and April 1st 2023, there have been a total of 25 bladed article injury incidents reported to and investigated by police. Sadly, three of these 25 incidents have resulted in death. These are being investigated as murders, for which suspects have been arrested.
The ages of the victims of bladed article attacks range from 13, to 52 years of age, suggesting that age is not a barrier to becoming a victim of knife crime. Apart from one incident in which a female was stabbed at Horseshoe Bay in May of last year, the victims are all male.
The ages of the suspects in these matters range from 14 to 46 years of age with, 50% of suspects in their 20s. We are particularly concerned with trends of young people of school age carrying bladed items and we urge parents to talk to their children to make them aware of the dangers of knife crime and the serious injuries that be inflicted with a bladed article.
It is troubling that individuals are arming themselves with bladed items out of fear of being targeted for violence. However, we reiterate that carrying a knife or other bladed item actually puts you at greater risk of becoming involved in a dangerous situation, rather than preventing you from becoming a victim. Our advice is always that should you feel threatened, walk away from possible confrontation.
The BPS will continue to work to make Bermuda safer by conducting checks under Section 315F of the Criminal Code Act 1907, which gives police the power to stop and search individuals and vehicles to prevent violence. This is not a power that is used indiscriminately but is used in a careful and proportionate manner. Deployment of these stop checks are overseen by an officer of Superintendent rank and reviewed each month.
The penalties for being found in public carrying a bladed article, if convicted on indictment, are imprisonment for four years or a fine of five thousand dollars or both.
If you feel threatened, do not arm yourself. Report your concern to someone in authority. Whether that person be a parent, caregiver or some other adult or, obviously the police. You may call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, speak with a police officer you’re familiar with. The BPS is here to help reduce harm and make Bermuda safer.
