Armed Robbery At Gem Cellar On Front Street
[Updated] At sometime around noon today [April 28] there was an armed robbery at a business on Front Street. Further details are limited at this time, however we will update as able.
Update 12.16pm: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said, “Police are reporting what appears to be an armed robbery that took place at the Gem Cellar on Front Street.
“Details are unfolding as we speak and more information will be made available.”
Mr Caines added that it does not appear that anyone was injured, and the area has been cordoned off, with a heavy police presence.
Update 12.23pm: Mr Caines said the incident took place at around 11.26am, and said two males went into Gem Cellar and “made demands of money and jewellery” and were “given an undisclosed amount of jewellery, as well as cash, and made good their escape.”
Audio of Mr Caines statement:
Update 12.39pm: In the audio above, Mr Caines said, “It’s early days right now, but what police can say is at approximately 11:26am, police attended a report of an armed robbery that took place at the Gem Cellar, right off of Front Street.
“It appears that two males gained entry into that place; they went into the back room, they made demands of money and jewellery. They were given an undisclosed amount of jewellery, as well as cash, and they made good their escape.
“The only descriptions that we have at this point are males between 5’11″ and around 6′ or 6’1″. We understand that they were wearing dark clothing.
“Police are interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen two males acting suspiciously in the area. We’re looking specifically for anyone who may have seen two males acting suspiciously on a motorcycle; we’re asking you call the Central Investigative Division on 295-0011.”
Update 1.04pm: A police statement said, “At 11:27am today [Thursday April 28th] police attended a report of an armed robbery that took place at the Gem Cellar on Front Street.
“It appears that two males gained entry into that establishment and brandished what appears to be a firearm and made demands of money and cash. The proprietors handed over an undisclosed amount of cash and jewelry and the suspects then left the area on a motorcycle.
“It should be noted, no one was physically harmed in this incident.
“Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen two males in the area acting suspiciously or anyone who may have any knowledge of the planning and execution of this incident, the BPS is asking you to contact 295-0011 or alternatively you can call the anonymous and confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 800 8477.
“They are described as being black males between 5’11 and 6’1 thin to medium build.”
Update 1.27pm: Police have released this CCTV image of the suspects
Update 4.36pm: Acting Deputy PLP Leader Walter Roban said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party condemns the armed robbery today of the Gem Cellar. This behavior has become too frequent and too common in our community, and should not be tolerated. Our thoughts are with the staff who had to endure such a terrifying situation.
“We call on members of the public to contact the BPS or Crimestoppers if they know anything about this incident. This behavior has no place in our society, and those that think they can act in this manner to our community will pay the price for their antisocial behavior.”
Update 7.21pm: Junior Minister of National Security Sen. Jeff Baron comments on the armed robbery:
Front Street, wow, he/she is bold!
I hope he/she is caught and made an example of.
Look at the CCTV footage for the past few days or week. In most all cases individuals will case out a joint a few hours or days before and often more than once and then return at a time that they believe is convenient.
I hope they catch these worthless pieces of crap. Yes, I said it – worthless pieces of crap, that have gone to the same public schools I did. I too grew up with little or no money and single mother. They know the difference between right and wrong. Judging by their nice clothes and helmets, they aren’t hurting too bad. We can also assume they have a bike. I caught the bus until I was almost 18 and could work and save enough to buy my own bike. This is an opportunistic and selfish crime and not a case of someone stealing out of necessity or for food.
Once caught,(if ever caught) and convicted, please make a damn example of them, who are no-more than,”wanna-be-gangsters”!
Any robbery, yet alone an armed robbery the robber should be sentenced to the maximum of Law.”If you can’t do the time don’t do the crime.”
I don’t know what constitutes a certified gangster. They are wannabes but they are doing Gangster stuff….HMMMM strange I can’t figure this one out. So what would certify them then oh great Raymond Ray.
Drugs are scarce. So less income.
Sad. hope the staff is coping and has the support they need. Government need to put securities in place to make sure there is opportunity to put these young man to work in the trades.
Your an idiot, Government don’t have anything to do with someone deciding to break the law. Advance your vocabulary and/or thinking.
Don’t you mean you’re an idiot?
Country Bunkin.
These SOBs have no intention of working . . . Wonder who’s been let out of Westgate or returned to the Island recently???
Trades?? Really, the majority of tradespeople today are highly skilled individuals. Maybe they need to work in an office environment. Would you want these pieces of S**T coming into your house to work?
To become a tradesman, you must work hard and learn your trade. These two are clearly not interested in working for anything. They are more interested in taking what others have worked hard for.
The staff in there are so nice, too-I feel so bad for them!It’s terrible that these punks should get any jewellery at all, but I hope what they did get were new pieces being sold and not pieces people put in for repairs. The business would have insurance to cover overall theft but items hold sentimental value for people. Just a few months ago I put in a bracelet there to be repaired that was given to me by a friend who died from cancer seven years ago. I would have been sick if the only thing I have to remember my friend by (except photos and good memories) was stolen by some thug. These guys are brazen-that area is isolated but not THAT isolated.
Stop making excuses for these idiots! Would you say the same thing if it was you or your family member robbed? PLEASE! These guys should spend their days looking for work or using the brain they were given to create their own destiny, rather than sit on their backsides talking about who to rob next!
My2cents,
Jobs are scarce, unemployed Black Bermudians (I’m not saying that they are the ones committing the robberies) are plentiful, and according to Bob Richards, money doesn’t grow on trees!
So what’s your point, Mrs. Burns? You’re giving them a pass, then? Did they ask if the Gem Cellar needed any help, even polishing jewellery that would require limited skill? No, it was just easier to rob them of what they work hard for. Too bad they didn’t run straight into police randomly passing by on the way out.
So go and rob a legitimate business employing people? No, go to Hell first, especially if I get my hands on you punk.
So, Bob is RIGHT then! Hahahahaha! You’re as simple as these thugs!
Yes, these poor poor young men had to feed their families and should not have to stoop to getting handouts and meals from other sources. As a result they should be let off and free to rob people at gun point.
Ignorant as would be expected from nana peg.
Peggy, we all know money does not grow on trees, yet you seem disturbed and surprised at what Mr. Richard said? You do understand that throwing money at something does not make the islands problems go away.
These young men have brains and if they passed the test for a bike license they obviously understand the difference between , stop and go, left and right, slow and fast and more importantly right and wrong. Stop making excuses for these pricks. They have made clear and conscious CHOICE to break the law and steal.
To my2cents, get a job!! There is enough out there if they willing to work!!!I work, go figure…
By the way ‘C’, I pray you are fine?
Hey Ray, how about Legislated robbery, ect. canceling contracts.
It’s no wonder why you use a, “make-believe-name” like “Onion Juice” I also wouldn’t want to associate my birth given name to many, (if not all) of the letters you’ve submitted to Bernews either
Sad but true.
We had 14 years of that.
i hope all are ok.full of tourists as well.
Front St. ok good and bad to hear about.
You’re a nasty person
Shameful, I can smell your ‘tude from here – should be ashamed of yourself.
Mr. Governor , Mr. Butler and I would like to meet with you again. This problem has long been out of hand. It is left up to both you and the Premier to address the root causes of this problem , ” RACE, CLASS, and EDUCATION .”
Why are you making it all about race – we don’t know what colour these people are, we don’t know where they came from or how well educated they are. How do you know they are even Bermudians ?
True-we’ve got people coming over here all the way from Eastern Europe to rob us these days.
Not about race at all – how do you know what race committed this robbery – do you know who did it?
He did not state that the robbers were of any particular race. He said this country needs to have harmony right now and it is a boiling pot over racial divide. the robbers may have been non color or non Bermudian, thats not the point, there is anger disharmony and mud slinging on both sides and it is unhealty and people of all color are unemployed especially Black, and until all feel they have a future in their homeland it will get worse.
“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
― Frederick Douglass
Be aware and be honest, Bermuda is racially divided: Black Bermudians and OBs–Other Bermudians.
Please tell me who in Bermuda is oppressed! Oh, and while you’re getting your list together, why not get off your rear end, open and establishment, and offer these so called oppressed people a job! Arm chair critics really make me holler!
And u are one of the biggest dividers out there. Must be my white mental illness clouding my perspective tho
So you’re calling white Bermudians “OB’s” now?
There’s no end to the racist slurs you can come with is there.
I dont hear him crying down U.B.P. like he was crying down P.L.P.
and de guy that was down Crow lane de other day looking like a Fool.
Sell outs
Rodney…wrong e-mail address. Direct your comment to the appropriate in-box. SMH!
Rodney Smith,
As an add on to that which you have stated, I borrow these words:
“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
― Frederick Douglass
Oh it’s up to all of us to address all of the causes of this problem but your approach would certainly appeal to the unenlightened, political manipulators amongst us.
Why are people so surprise this is world wide with our country’s state and lack of education.
Wake up and stop living in that past tense box.
Probably one of those hooligans that hang out next door.
The parking lot across the street is a haven for drinking, drug use and anti social behavior. Yet the police walk or drive by and look the other way. What do we expect.
Not next door as in across the street. I am talking about the surrounding store that always have a lot of gangsters handing around.
Are you serious… the guys that hang out in that area live a stress free life they bum at least $50 to $100 a day. They don’t have bills to stress about and some of them are not that stupid to do such a thing. Just saying
We give incentives to certain businesses. Why not give the Security Companies
some breaks to enable more people to afford surveillance systems.
A degree in ‘common sense’ is not necessary to make this happen.
i said this many times before………
with Bermudian people unemployed the crime rate will rise…..
it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this out……
bills still need to be payed and children fed…..
i not saying that robbery is the way out, but some have no choice because no jobs…..
Some will do anything when their back is up against the wall
every action has a reaction…….it happen all over the world….
Something tells me these criminals don’t really want a real job.
How many have you offered?
How many have they applied for? Goes both ways…
Oh yeah , so you really think the proceeds of this criminal act are going to be used to buy baby food , maybe text books or pay BELCO and the rent ?
Are there any locals left on this island who are capable of critical thought any more ?
hey you never know…..
who feels it knows
Lost job in 2012 , still unemployed . No crimes committed in the interim up to now .
And yes, I am feeling it .
Ya, like stale milk feels our our pain, silver spoon recipients or undeserved privileged people don’t have a clue !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unearned privelige…what is that, some kind of birthright?
Do you believe what you just wrote? Real islanders from whenever would know that if they need something they can go to family or friends. If that doesn’t work there is social assistance or heaven forbid getting a job that might be below their expectations but will at least pay the bills.
These guys are spoiled little #$%@ers they have at least one bike and better rain gear than I have and those helmets even look high end.
Do you really believe what you wrote? Bermudians are way too full of “holding stuff against people” to even give them a decent chance at finding a low paying job much less a decent job; especially of that person has a criminal background but have since changed for the better. It is so bad some aren’t even allowed to pack bags to survive, because “certain people in charge” don’t want them there.
You actually did say that robbery is the way out. Read the first few lines of your comment! I pray that no one breaks into your home while you’re sleeping and robs you! At least, according to you, they’ll be forgiven because times are tough! Remember, every action has a reaction! l
real island man …. None of us know what hand life is going to deal us. In this forum one can easily and accurately color code those with souls on ice.
None of us are writing our own script for life. One thing I know for certain, and I’m right about it, is that every single one of us is headed towards the ‘door of no return’, and will pass through in the same way we entered this world–naked. I don’t care how much wealth you amassed during your sojourn here. God, as much as you would like to, you ain’t takin’ anything with you. Should I repeat myself?
You have to be made out of a special kind of something to have empathy (means your pain in my heart) for persons who are found wanting. One day that person in need may be YOU. Life may be real good for you now. But remember what I said about us not writing our own script for life. Laughter can turn into tears in and instant.
nddnxfmnxlvs nx!
How are they wanna be gangsters but they doing gangster stuff? Also they got away with it! #JustSaying
There goes tinted visors..
You’re not supposed to wear tinted visors inside of shops.
Tell that to the dood pointing a gun at you………………………
I’ve suggested that to the Government and the Opposition as well as the public for a few years now. Remove tinted helmets; make them illegal and when (police) see ANYONE wearing a tinted helmet take it from the individual! For Christ sake how are they to get a conviction here or for any other crime committed when the “wanna-be-gangters” are wearing tinted helmets?
Yes! Ban those evil visors. While they are at it they should ban guns too!! How about this, just make crime illegal!
Look, sarcasm aside the solution is not making more laws. They just punish law abiding citizens. These guys don’t care what the rules are. They don’t play by them.
Need to ban those red jackets too!
What a dumb comment!!! Was the red jacket being worn over the robber’s head? People like you are insulting to those of us who have a brain!
It’s called SARCASM!
Shame you don’t have one, a brain that is.
And ban those Lindos green bags too.
First good clue, they shop at Lindos . Can’t be poorly off if they can afford their high prices!
Y not release the video?
They are absolute cowards! Until incarceration becomes a deterrent in Bermuda (which it is a far cry from), these low life scumbags will continue to commit crime. Dear Bermuda Government – outsource the prison to an overseas agency already! It would save the tax payer a lot of money and our criminals would feel what a real prison is like. This joke in Dockyard called Hotel Westgate is a playground for them, I would be ashamed to call myself the Commissioner of Prisons in Bermuda.
Price of arrogance and tyranny. The arch of the universe is long, but it points towards justice.
Hey I just noticed I am outraged! Armed robbery outrages me! I think armed robbery outrages me even more than a new airport.
How do the dislikes know what outrages me? Dislikers outrage me. Ha-you dislikers I dislike you.
One day you are committing an armed robbery on front street,a few years later you are a lawyer,or an elected politician.I once heard someone say “only in Bermuda”
Which goes to show you the true potential of some of these individuals that are quick to be dismissed without a 2nd thought. Bermuda is not the only country in the world where persons turn over a new leave & lead their lives in a better direction. Or is it you would rather them stay as a criminal element rather than redirecting their potential for the better of Bermuda as a whole?
turn over a new leaf
I don’t underestimate the potential of a criminal to become someone great or someone great to become a criminal. I do believe that some professions should be closed depending on the crime. If you do not believe what I have said, then by all means send your young to a daycare that employs a convicted pedophile.
See now you’re running in a new direction with this, you made no mention of pedophiles in child daycare centers. You specifically called out committing an armed robbery then becoming a lawyer,or an elected politician. Everyone knows what lawyer and what elected politician you’re referring to, especially when you finish with saying “only in Bermuda”. If pedophiles was what you was originally referring to then you would of originally made reference to such. Don’t trey to switch up once you’ve been called out.
money and violence ….
Some of the correspondents might wish to consider how difficult it is for a local business to make a payroll, insurance (especially health), pension, etc, 52 weeks a year, year after year before continuing to bore us with your pseudo-intellectual 1960s woe-is-me dribble. With attitudes like those demonstrated here, pretty soon there may be no businesses paying first world salaries and benefits – indeed that is what is already happening with a certain new business in Dockyard (the new West Bank?).
and these 2 a__ H**** didn’t stick out like sore thumbs walking in the area or on front street. Stores need to be allowed to arm themselves with ak47s loaded with hollow core slugs. and a bank is only mere meters away.these scum IF caught need never ever see the light of day again. and pi++ on all the holier than thou do gooders who think its race, education or jobs related I am sick of that BS excuse
So whats the cause of this?
Hollow tips huh?
You mean the bullets that are banned by international law from law enforcement and military use….
Great leader you’llbe
I’m going to assume that you have lived in Bermuda your whole life and simply repeat some drivel you heard. The lack of education on guns astonishes me. When I look back on my journey I’m so glad I left Bermuda and started to learn for myself.
Hollow points are not banned from law enforcement. My duty weapon is currently loaded with 16 rounds of hollow point ammunition and I have another three mags ready to go. And yes! You want the shop owners, police, law abiding citizen shooting hollow point ammunition as it expands when it hits the target. This slows the projectile and helps prevent over penetration. Ball or full metal jacket ammo tends to stay together and continue after it passes through the target.
Finally, the US never ratified The Hague Convention’s agreement and as recent as last year the US Army was thinking about changing over to hollow point ammo.
My comment must have been lost.
Shalom to that
Well give us ladies and gentle man .damn jobs …how about that
Even tho jobs are needed in this economy, There is no excuse for ARMED ROBBERY in bermuda, or anywhere for that matter.
“Nothing stops a bullet like a job”-Nick Cannon.
Calm down everybody.
If you know something say something,make the call !
One thing the police don’t have a great police presents what happen to pokie offiers on the street beat.The police use to have s heavy patrolingpatroling system.
Bermuda is breeding some sort a scum
These folks committed an armed robbery, who knows what might have gone wrong in a matter of seconds and a life lost. This crime took less than 5 mins,probably less than 2mins…and the police can not be on every street 24 7 Watch the number of police officers on foot patrol over the next few days, and you might wonder if policing is selective. By now the Chamber of Commerce has met..and appealed to the powers that be..that this type of thing cannot happen again on Front Street. There is still a lot of difficulty in getting tinted sun visors banned..
Cctv should be viewed for the entire month of April, these individuals appear quite calm by the images I see here,they seem to have cased this establishment out before carrying out this robbery,I’m certain they may just find the culprits…by their height,weight and build…just an observation…
I simply don’t buy the idea that these guys are poor and under privileged. Those jackets and helmets are expensive, they look quite well dressed. Bet they had a sporty bike too. Stop giving these guys an excuse because of their color or class. They are disgusting filth and should be locked up.
Help the police, if you see someone walking with a full face helmet on call 911, easy, the police can do their job and the moron is either a thief or an idiot who fails to read the news and realizes the stigma that full face tinted helmets have. Anyone still using one of these is a fool or more likely a prime suspect.
if you saw a guy walking on the street with a ski mask on, would that be suspicious or would the pro visor crowd say he might be protecting his skin from skin cancer?
SMH, this particular crime was an easy one to avoid.