Police Urge People To Officially Report Crimes

March 27, 2017

The police said they are “aware of rumours circulating about alleged indecent activities” at an event this weekend, with people “circulating the name of an alleged suspect, along with his photograph, via social media,” with the police saying “the person named was actually incarcerated in the Westgate Correctional Facility at the time of the alleged incident.”

Saying that they “understand and share the community’s desire to protect children,” the police said “this is a clear example of when the use of social media goes wrong.”

The police said they have not received a formal complaint regarding this matter, and urged members of the public with information about criminal activity to use “official means to report it.”

“If anyone has been a victim of, or a witness to, such indecent activity they are encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or 295-0011,” the police said.

Bermuda Police Service TC March 27 2017

A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service is aware of rumours circulating about alleged indecent activities at the Kappa Classic football tournament this past weekend.

“Members of the public are circulating the name of an alleged suspect, along with his photograph, via social media.

“The police would like to point out that the person named was actually incarcerated in the Westgate Correctional Facility at the time of the alleged incident.

“This is a clear example of when the use of social media goes wrong. Currently, the BPS has not received a formal complaint regarding this matter.

Detective Superintendent Sean Field-Lament of the Crime Division said “social media is not a legitimate way to report crime”, adding that “members of the public with information about criminal activity must use official means to report it.”

“We clearly understand and share the community’s desire to protect children. But there are formal methods to do so, like contacting the police, so that these matters can be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

“It is irresponsible to spread speculation on social media without facts. People should be careful about making criminal allegations in a public forum, especially when the details are unclear. Not only is it unhelpful, but in certain circumstances it could be construed as libel.

“Parents or other members of the public that have information regarding any alleged indecent activity that took place at the sporting event should contact the police immediately.”

“If anyone has been a victim of or a witness to such indecent activity they are encouraged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or 295-0011.

“Alternatively, anyone with any relevant information that wishes to remain anonymous should call the independent Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.”

Read More About

Category: All, Crime, News

Comments (10)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. wahoo says:

    Don’t know what happened but guessing it was disgusting. If so many people are taking video and talking why didn’t they put down their devices and stop the perpetrator. Real Bermudians would not put up with whatever this person did.

    Sick.

    • sage says:

      It says people shared a currently incarcerated persons’ photo and rumors of indecent activities they claimed occurred, not video of any actual incident. Further details are needed from those who made the allegations, since no official complaint was made. That said I have seen prisoners who are currently incarcerated, out and about on work release.

  2. Oh,I see now says:

    The technology we are involved in today is a double edged sword able to take a life/reputation/occupation or save it.

    Dramatic NO real YES.

  3. Spear chuckah says:

    you just have to say the word…

  4. Was says:

    WAS. Does that mean he’s out now