Police Investigate East End Burglaries
The Bermuda Police Service have warned residents about recent increase in burglaries, with the police noting that “between Wednesday, June 3 and today’s date, there have been eleven such incidents reported.”
A police spokesperson said, “In recent weeks, the Bermuda Police Service has been working to address an increase in burglaries in the eastern end of the island, but more so in Hamilton Parish. Between Wednesday, June 3 and today’s date, there have been eleven such incidents reported, with times ranging from the early morning hours to early or mid-afternoon. In a number of cases, the suspect has been described as wearing sweat pants, a hoody and a ski mask.”
Detective Inspector Tiffany Caisey of the Criminal Investigations Unit urged: “Burglary is not merely a physical act, it is an emotional intrusion that impacts a person’s sense of safety and well-being. Every resident deserves peace within their home and the assurance that their hard earned property and personal privacy will not be violated. While the Bermuda Police Service continues to work diligently to provide that assurance, we need you to partner with us and be the eyes and ears of our community and help hold accountable those who choose to engage in burglary, or for that matter, any form of criminal activity. If you see something, call us.”
A police spokesperson added, “If you have information on this spate of robberies or other criminal activity, you are encouraged to call the main police number, 295-0011, 211 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. You may also contact us via the BPS reporting portal at bps.portal.bm
“While no one security measure can completely eliminate the risk of crime, making your home a more difficult target can significantly reduce the likelihood of you becoming a victim.
Secure Your Home
- “Always lock all doors and windows, even if leaving for only a short time.
- “Ensure exterior lighting is working properly. Motion-activated lights around entrances and dark areas can deter would-be intruders.
- “Trim hedges and shrubs around doors and windows to remove potential hiding places.
- “Consider installing a home alarm system, video doorbell, or security cameras. Even visible cameras and alarm signage can discourage offenders.
- “Keep valuables, vehicle keys, handbags, wallets, and electronic devices out of sight from windows.
- “Secure sheds, garages, and outbuildings with sturdy locks, and safely store tools that could be used to gain entry to your home.
If you are travelling, before leaving:
- “Ask a trusted family member, friend, or neighbour to check your property regularly.
- “Arrange for mail and newspapers to be collected so they do not accumulate.
- “Use timers on lights or smart home devices to create the appearance that someone is home.
- “Where possible, have someone occasionally park a vehicle in your driveway.
“Avoid announcing your travel plans on social media. Posting photographs, videos, or updates while you are away, can unintentionally advertise that your home is vacant. Consider waiting until you have returned home, before sharing holiday photos or, travel experiences.
“Older residents are often targeted because offenders may believe they are more vulnerable.
If you have elderly relatives or neighbours:
- “Check in with them regularly.
- “Encourage them to keep doors locked, even while at home.
- “Ensure they have adequate exterior lighting and that overgrown vegetation is kept trimmed.
“Offer assistance if they need help installing better locks, security lighting, or CCTV cameras.”
And nothing on our multi-million dollar CCTV system to review? You know, like looking at license plates in the area of the crimes and discovering a pattern?
the criminals all use stolen bikes, which also means the cameras and speed cameras will never be able to catch or penalize the actual criminals in our island, just punish regular folk trying to get to work.
Meanwhile, the thieves ride around with tinted visors and two riders on a bike so the rider can get on the stolen vehicle n ride off. If you want to catch the criminals, start pulling over and searching people who have tinted visors and pillion riders. Reasonable suspicion. Lawmakers and police need to act on this now or we will lose our island.
“the criminals all use stolen bikes,” Are you an expert in stolen bikes, per chance? Even IF the bikes are stolen, their license plates can be tracked by CCTV. Which also begs the question: if the BPS knows the plate numbers of stolen bikes, why is the BPS not tracking down the bikes? Worst case, the stolen bike is recovered and dusted for prints. Policing 101.
Wow!!! I never had a key to my home door growing up, my home was never locked. On a good sunny day all of the windows were left open so that the house could air out. If it started to rain, a neighbour would pick in your clothes off the line for you. Sadly, those days are long gone.
These selfish acts of invading someone’s home or vehicle are disgusting. No one should live in fear, especially in your personal space.
Please be your neighbour’s watchful eyes and ears.
I remember the house we grew up in for 19 years . Never ever saw a key for the main door in the whole time we were there. Windows and doors open wide 24 hours a day as there was no a/c. I remember often in the middle of the night moms would show up in the bedrooms rushing to close the windows (all at ground level) because it was starting to rain. The shutters only got closed for hurricanes .
Today if you mention the crime level to someone who doesn’t know anything about those days their response is ‘So what , it’s worse in other places !’ as if that makes it acceptable here . Sad , very sad .
“Never ever saw a key for the main door in the whole time we were there.”
My old home was like that well into the 1980s