208 Motorcycles Reported Stolen In First Quarter
“For the period January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] received an alarming 208 motorcycle theft reports,” the police said today, adding that “99 of those motorcycles have been recovered by the BPS.”
Chief Inspector, Robert Cardwell stated, “The Tactical Division has carried out a detailed analysis of the reported thefts. That analysis has identified a number of potential suspects. We are now conducting further inquiries to ascertain the evidential leads of those suspects. A team is being assembled to follow up on those leads. It is the intent to hold all suspects accountable for their actions and place them before the courts so that justice can prevail.”
Mr. Cardwell also highlighted an issue which impacts suspects being brought before the courts for this offence. “Often hindering prosecution, is that once a motorcycle is recovered, the complainant does not want to proceed with a prosecution after they’ve received financial settlement from their insurance company for the stolen bike. Without a complainant, we are unable to proceed. We are now in discussion with motor vehicle insurers to see how best this situation might be addressed with their assistance.”
A police spokesperson added, “All of the complaints of motorcycle theft during the first three months of this year, report that the vehicle was secured with only the handlebar lock. The BPS once again encourages all motorcycle users to also use a secondary lock, preferably attached to a stationary object that cannot be moved. At night, park bikes in well-lit areas and in all cases be sure not to leave keys in the ignition or spare keys with your bike.
“Thieves rely on speed and ease of removal when they steal a vehicle. The delay created by having to remove a secondary lock, could mean the difference between your bike being taken or not. Any person with any information on motorcycle theft is asked to reach out to Chief Inspector Cardwell on 247-1076. You may also call the main police number 295-0011, or 211
“If you’d prefer, please share the information with a police officer you know or by using the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.”
Multi-million dollar CCTV island-wide network.
Motorcycle thieves caught – zero mentioned.
“Often hindering prosecution, is that once a motorcycle is recovered, the complainant does not want to proceed with a prosecution after they’ve received financial settlement from their insurance company for the stolen bike. Without a complainant, we are unable to proceed. We are now in discussion with motor vehicle insurers to see how best this situation might be addressed with their assistance.”
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!
May I suggest looking at other offenses to charge the thieves with? If the motorcycle is left by the roadside, it is littering. If it is dumped in the ocean, it is environmental pollution. I gave up reporting motorcycles in the water off of North Shore because BPS never removed the discarded motorcycles.
If an insurance company paid a settlement, technically, the insurer owns the bike. Or maybe a bank if a loan was taken out. Have the insurance companies or banks press charges against the thieves to recover the insurance settlements and property loss.
Come on BPS! How about the AG’s office get creative?
Sadly, Bermuda appears to have moved from a “civic duty” culture to a “not my problem” culture.
I hear you there.
How about improper disposal of hazardous materials? Oil, gas, batteries, etc., without a permit. BPS needs to think outside the box instead of being more concerned about their lunch box.
“..once a motorcycle is recovered, the complainant does not want to proceed with a prosecution after they’ve received financial settlement from their insurance company for the stolen bike. Without a complainant, we are unable to proceed ”
This is one of the most ridiculous utterances I’ve ever heard from the BPS .
So once the insurance has paid a claim , assuming that the bike was fully covered , the owner isn’t inclined to ‘press charges’ but the way the BPS looks at it is that the criminal never committed an offense .. SMH
Does that happen in other crimes ? For instance an arson torches a house and the insurance pays out and the owner is happy and the police don’t prosecute ?
I was recently stalked through the city at 8pm by two characters on a bike, who were likely going to violently rob me of my bike. Government needs to rapidly make the penalty for bike theft much worse. I bet you 25% of all motorbikes are stolen each year. Thieves are not afraid of the penalties currently. Thieves should be forced to wear a tracking bracelet for 10 years before and after prison, their faces and names should be made public so we know who to watch out for. Thieves should be made to pay thousands of dollars as a penalty for suffering of the victims, and should be given mandatory jail time of at least 5 years per bike stolen. Stealing a bike from a property should give extra time and penalty for tresspassing, causing distress etc.
My suggestion is to get a cellphone mount and use your cell phone to video your rides. You can turn videos of suspicious persons turned over to BPS. The video quality on cell phones is really good.
Search on Amazon to see some options: cellphone mounts for motorcycle
I mount my cellphone on my bicycle and use a dashcam in the car. Bicycle riding is very dangerous in Bermuda! Poor drivers speak volumes but a front-back window dashcam is inexpensive.