Bermuda Day Holiday Weekend: Policing Plan for Public Safety Overview
Thu, 2024-05-23
Superintendent Dennis Astwood – “The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), in collaboration with the Bermuda Reserve Police, is committed to ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for all during this year's Bermuda Day holiday festivities, encompassing Friday’s morning races and afternoon parade.
As part of our ongoing efforts to uphold public safety, we wish to communicate key aspects of our policing plan to the community.
Enhanced Police Presence: Expect a heightened police presence throughout Bermuda Day, Friday, 24th May 2024 and the weekend. Our officers will be actively engaged in conducting roadside sobriety checks and implementing appropriate stop and search initiatives at various locations, to promote responsible behaviour and deter any potential threats to safety.
High Visibility Patrols: To mitigate instances of violence and anti-social behaviour, there will be an increase in police presence and high visibility patrols across the island.
Community Engagement: We urge the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities. Should you observe anything of concern, please promptly contact 211 or dial 911 in case of emergencies. If you see something, say something.
Bermuda Day Races: The Sinclair Packwood Memorial Bicycle Race will kick off at 8:20 a.m. in Somerset, followed by the Junior Bermuda Bicycle Association race starting on Harbour Road (Red Hole). These races conclude on Cedar Avenue (near to the junction with Dundonald Street). At 8:30 a.m. the Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby will commence in Somerset, followed by the Junior and Senior running races beginning on Front Street, City of Hamilton. These races conclude on Court Street (near to the junction with Dundonald Street).
Road Closures and Traffic Management: Roads along the race routes will close at 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Motorists travelling in the west end, especially those with morning flights, are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid disruptions. Road closures will remain in effect until approximately 12:30 p.m. Detours and delays are to be expected, with detailed information available on the Government of Bermuda's official website, as well as the Corporation of Hamilton.
Bermuda Day Parade: The Bermuda Day Parade, commencing at 1:30 p.m., promises a vibrant display of culture and community spirit. Spectators are reminded to refrain from obstructing parade participants and to adhere to instructions provided by officers of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, who will be assisting with crowd management along the parade route.
Parking and Traffic Regulations: Designated no-parking areas will be clearly marked, and specific road closure times will be outlined in official gazetted notices. Once road closures are in effect in the City of Hamilton, vehicle movement will be restricted until the conclusion of the parade.
Your cooperation and adherence to these guidelines are crucial in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants and spectators during Bermuda Day celebrations.
Similarly, the BPS encourages responsible behaviour throughout this holiday weekend, whether on land or out on the water.
Let us join hands in fostering a harmonious and memorable occasion for our community.”
Read MoreMale Motorcyclist Injured in Collision With Government Vehicle [Updated]
Thu, 2024-05-23
Around 10:45am Thursday, 23rd May 2024, police along with other first responders were dispatched to a report of a collision on Middle Road, Devonshire near the junction with Watlington Lane, involving a Government car and a motorcycle.
Information suggests that the car was stopped in a line of traffic in the eastbound lane, when a male motorcyclist heading in the same direction struck the rear of the Government vehicle.
The driver was not reported to be injured.
However, the motorcyclist is believed to have suffered potentially serious injuries.
A medical update is anticipated in due course.
Traffic is being diverted at Parsons Lane and Watlington Lane, while the scene is processed.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision is asked to call police on 211.
Update: Traffic diversions are no longer in effect in the Middle Road, Watlington Lane Devonshire area. Inquiries continue. Once again, any witnesses please call 211. A medical update regarding the injured rider is still expected.
Two Hurt After Collision Involving Car & Motorcycle on North Shore Road
Wed, 2024-05-22
Shortly after 6 PM on Wednesday, 22nd of May 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious two vehicle collision, involving a motorcycle and a car. The collision occurred on North Shore Road, near the junction with Cable Hill, Devonshire.
Information suggests that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the collision occurred.
The driver of the motor car was not reported to be injured, however the female motorcyclist, and her 7 year old passenger were taken to King Edward Memorial Hospital, for treatment of their injuries.
Traffic diversions are in place at Store Hill and Loyal Hill, while police process the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed this collision, is asked to call police on 211 at the earliest opportunity.
Six Cars Recently Reported Stolen, All Recovered With Keys Inside
Wed, 2024-05-22
During 1st March 2024 until 22nd May 2024, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) received six reports of six different cars being stolen from outside six separate homes.
In each case, the vehicle was left parked with the keys inside and later recovered at a different location, intact.
While such incidents remain uncommon and are mostly preventable, this recent increase is cause for a renewed public advisory.
As a result, residents are once again urged to be vigilant about how they park and lock their cars. Some practical advice:
Park in visible, well-lit areas, if possible
Ideally, cars should be parked somewhere that is easily visible, day or night.
Always lock unattended vehicles
Make it a habit to lock your vehicle if you’re going to be away from it for any period of time – especially overnight – even if it’s just parked outside your home.
Also, all windows and the sun roof, if the vehicle has one, should be closed. And please, remember to take the keys with you.
Take valuables with you, or secure them out of sight
Any personal items left visible in an unattended parked car emboldens an opportunistic thief. Instead, take them with you, or secure them out of sight, in the trunk/boot.
Report stolen vehicles promptly
As always, members of the public are encouraged to report stolen vehicles immediately, by calling 211 – providing as much information as possible. Alternatively, stolen vehicles can be reported through the BPS online community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm/.
Canal Road Container Truck Collision: No Reported Injuries
Wed, 2024-05-22
Around 2:40pm Wednesday, 22nd May 2024 police responded to a single vehicle traffic collision on Canal Road in Pembroke.
Early information suggests that a container truck carrying a 40 foot container was travelling south on Canal Road, when it came into contact with a large overhead beam and a retaining wall, causing major damage to the wall and truck.
The driver of the truck was not reported to be injured.
As a result of this incident, Canal Road has been closed until the truck can be removed and damages to the infrastructure can be assessed.
Motorcyclist Injured in Harrington Sound Road Collision Monday
Wed, 2024-05-22
Around 12:30pm Monday, 20th May 2024, police officers responded to a reported collision on Harrington Sound Road in Hamilton parish, near the junction with Hidden Cove Lane.
Information suggests that a male motorcyclist was travelling along Harrington Sound Road when a dark coloured van, being driven in the opposite direction, entered the motorcyclist’s lane and allegedly made contact with him.
Apparently the rider, understood to be a 21-year-old Warwick man, then collided with some trees along the roadside, while the van failed to stop.
The injured 21-year-old was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of his injuries and later discharged.
Inquiries continue and any witnesses, particularly any persons that were travelling in the area around the time of this collision, are encouraged to call Constable Jonathan Outerbridge on 211, or e-mail jonathan.outerbridge@bps.bm, as soon as possible.
BPS to Learn From 2024 UK Violence Against Women & Girls Conference
Tue, 2024-05-21
Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels and Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns are currently in attendance at the 2024 Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Conference at the UK’s College of Policing in Ryton.
The key focus of the conference is geared towards training and supporting law enforcement in enhancing VAWG investigations, in an effort to improve outcomes for victims.
Assistant Commissioner Daniels stated, “There is an abundance of data across western societies that demonstrates domestic abuse has reached epidemic proportions, and should be approached with the same vigour as serious threats such as terrorism, gangs, guns and sexual abuse, due to domestic abuse’s impact on society being just as destructive.
Notwithstanding today’s increased demands on policing, due to a number of key factors such as austerity, reduced staffing levels, globalisation, and the overall complexity of crime, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) remains committed to protecting our community.”
Detective Chief Inspector Burns added, “The UK’s approach to tackling domestic abuse through a comprehensive framework that is victim centred, suspect focused and context led is critical to achieving more effective law enforcement intervention for domestic abuse incidents reported locally.
The BPS will learn lessons from this approach by continuing to follow best practice, providing training and support for its frontline officers, in addition to working closely with our key partners, as well as relevant stakeholders, to tackle domestic abuse.”
Car Driver Hurt in Early Morning Single Vehicle Collision
Tue, 2024-05-21
Around 5:10am Tuesday, 21st May 2024, a reported single vehicle collision occurred on South Road in Smith’s parish, near the junction with Collector’s Hill.
Police, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service as well as ambulance personnel responded.
It appears that the car involved was being driven along South Road when the vehicle struck a sidewalk, a wall and a utility pole, ending up on its side.
The driver, understood to be a 25-year-old Paget man, was temporarily trapped inside the vehicle, before emergency services personnel were able to extricate him.
Apparently the 25-year-old man remained conscious throughout and sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Area traffic diversions were in effect for approximately one and a half hours, until the collision site was processed and the damaged car was towed away.
Inquiries continue and any witnesses are encouraged to call 211.
Rider Arrested After Two Motorcycle Devonshire Collision Sunday [Updated]
Mon, 2024-05-20
A collision involving two male motorcyclists along North Shore Road, Devonshire, near Loyal Hill Road around 7:10pm Sunday 19th May 2024, has led to the arrest of one of the men, said to be a 49-year-old Smith’s parish resident.
It now appears that both motorcyclists were travelling in the same direction along North Shore Road when the rider in front, understood to be a 71-year-old Devonshire man, was struck from behind by the 49-year-old rider, as the older man attempted to turn on to the Railway Trail, heading toward North Ridge Crescent.
Both men were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance and treated for their injuries, which are not believed to be as serious as originally thought.
The 49-year-old man was later discharged from hospital and taken into police custody, on suspicion of impaired driving.
Traffic in the area was diverted for approximately two hours, while the collision site was processed.
Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are now encouraged to contact Constable Kevin Medeiros by calling 211 or e-mailing kmedeiros@bps.bm.
Update: It has since been confirmed that the injured 71-year-old male motorcyclist involved in a Devonshire collision Sunday, around 7:10pm, has also been discharged from hospital, after receiving relevant medical care.
Reported Two Motorcycle Collision: North Shore Road, Devonshire [Updated]
Sun, 2024-05-19
Around 7:10pm Sunday, 19th May 2024, a collision occurred on North Shore Road in Devonshire, near the junction with Loyal Hill Road.
Early information indicates that two motorcyclists collided with each other.
Both riders were transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
However, one of the riders may have been more seriously hurt.
A medical update is anticipated in due course.
Traffic diversions are in effect in the area, while the scene is processed.
Any witnesses are encouraged to call 211, as soon as possible.
Update: Monday, 20th May - A collision involving two male motorcyclists along North Shore Road, Devonshire, near Loyal Hill Road around 7:10pm Sunday 19th May 2024, has led to the arrest of one of the men, said to be a 49-year-old Smith’s parish resident.
It now appears that both motorcyclists were travelling in the same direction along North Shore Road when the rider in front, understood to be a 71-year-old Devonshire man, was struck from behind by the 49-year-old rider, as the older man attempted to turn on to the Railway Trail, heading toward North Ridge Crescent.
Both men were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance and treated for their injuries, which are not believed to be as serious as originally thought.
The 49-year-old man was later discharged from hospital and taken into police custody, on suspicion of impaired driving.
Traffic in the area was diverted for approximately two hours, while the collision site was processed.
Inquiries continue and any witnesses that have not already come forward are now encouraged to contact Constable Kevin Medeiros by calling 211 or e-mailing kmedeiros@bps.bm.
